Blockchain-based supply chain payment network

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for minting payment tokens to conduct transactions within a blockchain-based supply chain payment network. The payment tokens can be pegged to fiat currency or digital currency. The payment tokens can be minted by a computing system that is a node in the blockchain-based supply chain payment network. A number of payment tokens to be provided to a network participant as payment can be determined. The network participant can be a supplier associated with the blockchain-based supply chain payment network. The number of payment tokens can be provided for deposit in a digital wallet associated with the network participant as payment. The cryptocurrency tokens can be redeemed as fiat or digital currency.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/114,459, filed on Nov. 16, 2020, thecontent of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to the use of blockchain technology to support asupply chain payment network.

BACKGROUND

A blockchain network is generally comprised of nodes (e.g., computingsystems) that collaboratively manage a distributed database (e.g., adecentralized digital ledger). The decentralized digital ledger can beused to record various transactions that occur between networkparticipants in a verifiable manner. For example, nodes in a blockchainnetwork can record payment transactions in blocks that are successivelylinked together using cryptography to form a blockchain. Typically, eachblock in the blockchain includes a cryptographic hash of a precedingblock in the blockchain. The blockchain can continually be updated anddistributed to nodes in the blockchain network. In general, theblockchain improves transparency while ensuring data immutabilitysubject to consensus protocols.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include systems,methods, and non-transitory computer readable media configured to mintpayment tokens to conduct transactions within a blockchain-based supplychain payment network. The payment tokens can be pegged to fiat currencyor digital currency. The payment tokens can be minted by a computingsystem that is a node in the blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork. A number of payment tokens to be provided to a networkparticipant as payment can be determined. The network participant can bea supplier associated with the blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork. The number of payment tokens can be provided for deposit in adigital wallet associated with the network participant as payment. Thecryptocurrency tokens can be redeemed as fiat or digital currency.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to perform determining a request from thenetwork participant to convert one or more payment tokens to fiat ordigital currency; providing instructions to a computing systemassociated with a financial institution to convert the one or morepayment tokens to fiat or digital currency; and causing the one or morepayment tokens to be burned.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to generate a data record that representsa transaction based on the deposit of payment tokens to the digitalwallet associated with the network participant, wherein the data recordis posted to a blockchain associated with the blockchain-based supplychain payment network.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to generate a supply chain report based onone or more queries to a blockchain associated with the blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network, wherein the supply chain report includestransaction information for at least one transaction recorded in theblockchain.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to determine one or more networkparticipants involved in at least one transaction in theblockchain-based supply chain payment network that are included in anon-compliance exclusion list based on the supply chain report.

In an embodiment, the number of payment tokens to be provided to thenetwork participant is determined based on a smart contract.

In an embodiment, the number of payment tokens are provided for depositautomatically in response to satisfaction of a set of conditionsassociated with the smart contract.

In an embodiment, the blockchain-based supply chain payment networkcomprises a plurality of nodes which can include at least one nodecontrolled by a supplier associated with the blockchain-based supplychain payment network.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to store a blockchain associated with theblockchain-based supply chain payment network, wherein the blockchain isa distributed database that includes a plurality of data records thatrepresent transactions in the blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork.

In an embodiment, the transactions are between a company and one or moresuppliers in the blockchain-based supply chain payment network orbetween a supplier and another supplier in the blockchain-based supplychain payment network.

In an embodiment, the blockchain-based supply chain payment networkcomprises a plurality of nodes including at least one node thatcorresponds to a T-Node associated with a supplier, and wherein theT-Node is also a processing node that can be associated with a differentblockchain-based supply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the supplier is permitted to contribute additionalT-Nodes to the blockchain-based supply chain payment network or thedifferent blockchain-based supply chain payment network, and thesupplier is permitted to remove T-Nodes associated with the supplierfrom the blockchain-based supply chain payment network or the differentblockchain-based supply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, a computing device associated with a networkparticipant of the blockchain-based supply chain payment network runs adigital wallet application that manages payment tokens associated withthe blockchain-based supply chain payment network and/or payment tokensassociated at least one different blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork.

In an embodiment, a network participant associated with a company ispermitted to trace transactions that occur between the company and oneor more suppliers through the blockchain-based supply chain payment workbased on one or more privacy restrictions, and a network participantassociated with an upstream supplier is permitted to trace transactionsrelated to the upstream supplier that occur between downstream suppliersthrough the blockchain-based supply chain payment work based on one ormore privacy restrictions.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include systems,methods, and non-transitory computer readable media configured to host ablockchain associated with at least a first blockchain-based supplychain payment network and a second blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork. The blockchain can be a distributed database that includes aplurality of data records that represent transactions in the firstblockchain-based supply chain payment network and transactions in thesecond blockchain-based supply chain payment network. A transactionbetween network participants associated with the first blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network can be determined. The transaction can bebased on payment tokens minted for circulation in the firstblockchain-based supply chain payment network. A data record thatrepresents the transaction between the network participants associatedwith the first blockchain-based supply chain payment network can beverified. The data record can be posted to the blockchain associatedwith the first blockchain-based supply chain payment network and thesecond blockchain-based supply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the transaction is between a company and a supplier inthe first blockchain-based supply chain payment network or between asupplier and another supplier in the first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to perform determining a transactionbetween network participants associated with the second blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network, wherein the transaction is based onpayment tokens minted for circulation in the second blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network; and verifying a data record thatrepresents the transaction between the network participants associatedwith the second blockchain-based supply chain payment network, whereinthe data record is posted to the blockchain associated with the firstblockchain-based supply chain payment network and the secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the transaction is between a company and a supplier inthe second blockchain-based supply chain payment network or between asupplier and another supplier in the second blockchain-based supplychain payment network.

In an embodiment, the computing system is a node in a hosted blockchainnetwork that supports at least the first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network and the second blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork.

In an embodiment, the hosted blockchain network manages the blockchainassociated with at least the first blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork and the second blockchain-based supply chain payment network asa private blockchain, and wherein transactions posted in the privateblockchain are not visible to network participants in the firstblockchain-based supply chain payment network and the secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to perform determining a request from anetwork participant associated with the first blockchain-based supplychain payment network to convert one or more payment tokens minted forcirculation in the first blockchain-based supply chain payment networkto fiat or digital currency; and providing instructions to a computingsystem of a financial institution associated with the firstblockchain-based supply chain payment network to convert the one or morepayment tokens to fiat or digital currency, wherein the one or morepayment tokens are burned after conversion.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to perform determining a request from anetwork participant associated with the second blockchain-based supplychain payment network to convert one or more payment tokens minted forcirculation in the second blockchain-based supply chain payment networkto fiat or digital currency; and providing instructions to a computingsystem of a financial institution associated with the secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network to convert the one or morepayment tokens to fiat or digital currency, wherein the one or morepayment tokens are burned after conversion.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to generate a first supply chain reportfor the first blockchain-based supply chain payment network based on oneor more queries to the blockchain, wherein the supply chain reportprovides transaction information for at least one transaction recordedin the blockchain for the first blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to generate a second supply chain reportfor the second blockchain-based supply chain payment network based onone or more queries to the blockchain, wherein the supply chain reportprovides transaction information for at least one transaction recordedin the blockchain for the second blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork.

In an embodiment, a network participant associated with a company ispermitted to trace transactions that occur between the company and oneor more suppliers through the blockchain-based supply chain payment workbased on one or more privacy restrictions, and a network participantassociated with an upstream supplier is permitted to trace transactionsrelated to the upstream supplier that occur between downstream suppliersthrough the blockchain-based supply chain payment work based on one ormore privacy restrictions.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include systems,methods, and non-transitory computer readable media configured todetermine a first blockchain-based supply chain payment network to behosted. The first blockchain-based supply chain payment network can beassociated with a first blockchain. A second blockchain-based supplychain payment network to be hosted can be determined. The secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network can be associated with asecond blockchain. At least one first virtual machine can be initializedto serve as a node in the first blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork. At least one second virtual machine can be initialized to serveas a node in the second blockchain-based supply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the first blockchain is a distributed database thatincludes a plurality of data records that represent transactions basedon payment tokens minted for circulation in the first blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the transactions are between a company and one or moresuppliers in the first blockchain-based supply chain payment network orbetween a supplier and another supplier in the first blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the at least one first virtual machine implements ablockchain protocol that is different from a blockchain protocolimplemented by the at least one second virtual machine.

In an embodiment, the second blockchain is a distributed database thatincludes a plurality of data records that represent transactions basedon payment tokens minted for circulation in the second blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, at least one data record is posted or verified by theat least one first virtual machine that serves as a node in the secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to perform accessing a supply chain reportthat describes a plurality of transactions in the first blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network, wherein the supply chain report isgenerated by the at least one first virtual machine that serves as anode in the first blockchain-based supply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the supply chain report includes informationdescribing at least one transaction, wherein the information includes atleast a transaction date, sender address, destination address, and/ortransaction amount.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to perform determining a need for anadditional virtual machine to support the first or secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network; and initializing at leastone additional virtual machine to serve as a node in the first or secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to deactivate the at least one firstvirtual machine, wherein, upon deactivation, the at least one firstvirtual machine ceases to serve as a node in the first blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media are configured to deactivate the at least one secondvirtual machine, wherein, upon deactivation, the at least one secondvirtual machine ceases to serve as a node in the second blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network.

In an embodiment, a computing device associated with a networkparticipant of the first blockchain-based supply chain payment networkruns a digital wallet application that manages payment tokens associatedwith the first blockchain-based supply chain payment network and paymenttokens associated at least one different blockchain-based supply chainpayment network.

In an embodiment, a network participant associated with a company ispermitted to trace transactions that occur between the company and oneor more suppliers through the blockchain-based supply chain payment workbased on one or more privacy restrictions, and a network participantassociated with an upstream supplier is permitted to trace transactionsrelated to the upstream supplier that occur between downstream suppliersthrough the blockchain-based supply chain payment work based on one ormore privacy restrictions.

These and other features of the systems, methods, and non-transitorycomputer readable media disclosed herein, as well as the methods ofoperation and functions of the related elements of structure and thecombination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become moreapparent upon consideration of the following description and theappended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all ofwhich form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to beexpressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes ofillustration and description only and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain features of various embodiments of the present technology areset forth with particularity in the appended claims. A betterunderstanding of the features and advantages of the technology will beobtained by reference to the following detailed description that setsforth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the inventionare utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example system for implementing blockchain-basedsupply chain payment networks, in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present technology.

FIG. 1B illustrates a flowchart of an example method, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2A illustrates another example system for implementingblockchain-based supply chain payment networks based on a unifiedblockchain, in accordance with various embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 2B illustrates another flowchart of an example method, inaccordance with various embodiments of the present technology

FIG. 3A illustrates another example system for implementing virtualizedblockchain-based supply chain payment networks, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3B illustrates another flowchart of an example method, inaccordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example computing system implementing an I-Nodemodule, in accordance with various embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example computing system implementing a T-Nodemodule, in accordance with various embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example computing system implementing a U-Nodemodule, in accordance with various embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example diagram for generating a supply chainreport, in accordance with various embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example sequence diagram, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer system inwhich any of the embodiments described herein may be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A blockchain payment network is generally comprised of nodes (e.g.,computing systems) that collaboratively manage a distributed database(e.g., a decentralized digital ledger). The decentralized digital ledgercan be used to record various transactions that occur between networkparticipants in a verifiable manner. For example, nodes in a blockchainnetwork can record payment transactions in blocks that are successivelylinked together using cryptography to form a blockchain. Typically, eachblock in the blockchain includes a cryptographic hash of a precedingblock in the blockchain. The blockchain can continually be updated anddistributed to nodes in the blockchain network. In general, theblockchain improves transparency while ensuring data immutabilitysubject to consensus protocols.

Under conventional approaches, a company relies on fiat currency to paysuppliers in its supply chain. For instance, the company can initiate apayment to a Tier 1 supplier based on a transfer of fiat currency fromthe company (or a financial institution) to the Tier 1 supplier. TheTier 1 supplier can initiate payments to its Tier 2 suppliers based onfiat currency. Similarly, a Tier 2 supplier can initiate payments to itsTier 3 suppliers based on fiat currency, and so on. Conventionalapproaches thus depend on fiat currency to support a supply chainpayment network. However, reliance on fiat currencies to support asupply chain payment network comes with disadvantages. For example, acompany that relies on fiat currency to support its supply chain paymentnetwork can experience reduced cash flow. The reliance of fiat currencycan also limit the company's visibility in its supply chain. That is,the company is typically able to see transactions involving the companyand its Tier 1 suppliers. However, the company is typically unable tosee transactions that occur between its Tier 1 suppliers and Tier 2suppliers, between Tier 2 suppliers and Tier 3 suppliers, and so on. Inanother example, a company and its suppliers can experience increasedtransaction costs that are typically associated with fiat currency.

A claimed solution rooted in computer technology overcomes problemsspecifically arising in the realm of computer technology. In variousembodiments, an entity (e.g., a company) and its suppliers can conducttransactions through a blockchain-based supply chain payment network.For example, the company can mint cryptocurrency (or payment tokens)that can be used to conduct transactions within the blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network. The tokens can be pegged to fiat currency(e.g., U.S. dollars) that is deposited in an account through a financialinstitution. The amount of fiat currency to which the tokens are peggedcan be deposited in full or in part, for example, based on a redeemablefiat currency requirement. In this example, the company can initiatepayments to its Tier 1 suppliers based on its minted tokens. Thesepayment transactions can be recorded in a blockchain associated with thesupply chain payment network. Tier 1 suppliers can similarly initiatepayments to other suppliers (e.g., Tier 2 suppliers) based on tokensreceived from the company. These payment transactions can similarly berecorded in the blockchain associated with the supply chain paymentnetwork. Suppliers in the supply chain network can continue initiatingtoken-based payments to other suppliers as needed. For example, Tier 2suppliers can pay Tier 3 suppliers. In various embodiments, suppliershave the option to redeem (or cash out) tokens. For example, a Tier 3supplier that received a token-based payment can initiate an option toexchange the tokens for fiat or digital currency. For example, in anembodiment, the Tier 3 supplier can transfer the tokens to the companyin exchange for fiat or digital currency. In another embodiment, theTier 3 supplier can transfer the tokens to a financial institutionassociated with the company in exchange for fiat or digital currency.Many variations are possible.

It can be especially advantageous for an entity (e.g., company) toconduct supply chain transactions based on cryptocurrency tokens insteadof fiat currency. For example, the company can increase its cash flow byenabling supply chain transactions based on a fiat-backed cryptocurrencytokens. As another advantage, the company and its suppliers canimplement smart contracts to programmatically conduct supply chaintransactions upon satisfaction of events or conditions. Smart contractscan also be implemented to track and trace payments made in relation tosupply chain transactions for various purposes, such as supply chaincompliance. In another advantage, the company and its suppliers canconduct transactions with reduced transaction cost. In some instances,the company and its suppliers can delay tax payments on funds receivedas long as the funds are not converted from cryptocurrency tokens (orpayment tokens) to fiat currency. As another advantage, the financialinstitution at which fiat currency pegged to the cryptocurrency tokensare redeemed can establish relationships with the company's suppliers.For example, a supplier can interact with the financial institution toexchange tokens to fiat or digital currency. In this example, thefinancial institution can seek to establish a banking relationship withthe supplier. As yet another advantage, the company can gain increasedtransparency into its supply chain which would not be feasible underconventional approaches. That is, in some embodiments, any upstreamcompany in the supply chain can trace payments made to or by downstreamcompanies (or suppliers). For example, the company can accesstransactions recorded in the blockchain to generate supply chain reportsthat detail transactions between entities including transactions thatoccur downstream between different tiers of suppliers. As a result, thecompany is able to trace payments throughout its supply chain. In someembodiments, the company can utilize such supply chain reports to ensureits supply chain is in compliance with applicable laws and standards.For example, the company can easily reference its supply chain report toidentify suppliers in its supply chain that are included in a list ofnon-compliant entities (e.g., entity exclusion list). In anotherexample, the company can reference its supply chain report to identifydownstream suppliers associated with a foodborne illness. In yet anotherexample, the company can reference its supply chain report to identifydownstream suppliers that are known to produce counterfeit products.Once offending suppliers are identified, the company can take action toremove or replace such suppliers from its supply chain. More detailsdescribing the present technology are provided below.

FIG. 1A illustrates a system 100 for implementing blockchain-basedsupply chain payment networks. The system 100 can include I-Nodes 102controlled by an entity (e.g., “Company A”), a financial institution104, T-Nodes 106 controlled by Company A and its major suppliers in asupply chain network associated with Company A, and U-nodes 108controlled by suppliers in the supply chain network associated withCompany A. For example, an I-Node 102 can implement an I-Node module404, as described in reference to FIG. 4. A T-Node 106 can implement aT-Node module 504, as described in reference to FIG. 5. Further, aU-Node 108 can implement a U-Node module 604, as described in referenceto FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the !-Nodes 102, T-Nodes 106, andU-Nodes 108 can participate as nodes in a blockchain network 120. Insome embodiments, the I-Nodes 102 and T-Nodes 106 can participate asnodes in the blockchain network 120 while the U-Nodes 108 operate asdigital wallets. In some embodiments, the T-Nodes 106 can include atleast one node associated with Company A, at least one node associatedwith a Tier 1 supplier for Company A, at least one node associated witha Tier 2 supplier for Company A, at least one node associated with aTier 3 supplier for Company A, and so on. In some embodiments, acomputing system associated with the financial institution 104 canimplement a digital wallet that facilitates the transfer of tokens fromtiered suppliers (e.g., U-Nodes 108) to the financial institution 104.In some embodiments, a computing system associated with the financialinstitution 104 can implement a U-Node module 604, as described inreference to FIG. 6. Many variations are possible. For example, in someembodiments, a computing system associated with the financialinstitution 104 can implement an I-Node module 404, as described inreference to FIG. 4.

The blockchain network 120 can be associated with a blockchain based ona protocol. The blockchain can be used to record transactions that occurin the supply chain payment network associated with Company A. Forexample, the blockchain associated with the blockchain network 120 canbe a “private” blockchain that is restricted to Company A and suppliersin its supply chain. In another example, the blockchain associated withthe blockchain network 120 can be a consortium blockchain that isrestricted to Company A and suppliers in its supply chain. In someembodiments, the I-Nodes 102 and T-Nodes 106 can be configured to postblockchain transactions to the blockchain associated with the blockchainnetwork 120. The I-Nodes 102 and T-Nodes 106 can also be configured tovalidate transactions posted to the blockchain. In general, transactionsposted to the blockchain can be validated using generally knowntechniques including, for example, proof of work calculations andconfirmations, proof of stake calculations and confirmations, proof ofauthority calculations and confirmations, proof of history calculationsand confirmations, proof of two calculations and confirmations, andproof of N calculations and confirmations, to name some examples.

The system 100 can also include I-Nodes 122 controlled by another entity(e.g., “Company B”), a financial institution 124, T-Nodes 126 controlledby Company B and its major suppliers in a supply chain networkassociated with Company B, and U-nodes 108 controlled by other suppliersin the supply chain network associated with Company B. For example, anI-Node 122 can implement an I-Node module 404, as described in referenceto FIG. 4. A T-Node 126 can implement a T-Node module 504, as describedin reference to FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the I-Nodes 122, T-Nodes126, and U-Nodes 108 can participate as nodes in a blockchain network130. In some embodiments, the I-Nodes 122 and T-Nodes 126 canparticipate as nodes in the blockchain network 130 while the U-Nodes 108operate as digital wallets. In some embodiments, the T-Nodes 126 caninclude at least one node associated with Company B, at least one nodeassociated with a Tier 1 supplier for Company B, at least one nodeassociated with a Tier 2 supplier for Company B, at least one nodeassociated with a Tier 3 supplier for Company B, and so on. In someembodiments, a computing system associated with the financialinstitution 124 can implement a digital wallet that facilitates thetransfer of tokens from tiered suppliers (e.g., U-Nodes 108) to thefinancial institution 124. In some embodiments, a computing systemassociated with the financial institution 124 can implement a U-Nodemodule 604, as described in reference to FIG. 6. Many variations arepossible. For example, in some embodiments, a computing systemassociated with the financial institution 124 can implement an I-Nodemodule 404, as described in reference to FIG. 4.

The blockchain network 130 can be associated with a different blockchainbased on a different protocol. The blockchain can be used to recordtransactions that occur in the supply chain network associated withCompany B. For example, the blockchain associated with the blockchainnetwork 130 can be a “private” blockchain that is restricted to CompanyB and suppliers in its supply chain. In another example, the blockchainassociated with the blockchain network 130 can be a consortiumblockchain that is restricted to Company B and suppliers in its supplychain. In some embodiments, the I-Nodes 122 and T-Nodes 126 can beconfigured to post blockchain transactions to the blockchain associatedwith the blockchain network 130. The I-Nodes 122 and T-Nodes 126 canalso be configured to validate transactions posted to the blockchain. Ingeneral, transactions posted to the blockchain can be validated usinggenerally known techniques including, for example, proof of workcalculations and confirmations, proof of stake calculations andconfirmations, proof of authority calculations and confirmations, proofof history calculations and confirmations, proof of two calculations andconfirmations, and proof of N calculations and confirmations, to namesome examples.

The I-Nodes 102 and the T-Nodes 106 can be configured to manage ablockchain-based supply chain payment network for Company A. Forexample, the !-Nodes 102 can be configured to mint and burncryptocurrency tokens as needed to support the blockchain-based supplychain payment network. In some embodiments, the minted tokens arestablecoins pegged to a fiat currency. For example, a single token canbe pegged to a single U.S. dollar. Thus, when minting tokens under suchembodiments, Company A can cause some amount of fiat currency to bedeposited in a bank account 105 associated with the financialinstitution 104. The amount deposited can be consistent with an amountof tokens to be minted. For example, Company A can deposit $100 to mint100 tokens. However, as mentioned, Company A can also deposit a lesseramount of fiat currency to mint the tokens. For example, Company A mayonly deposit an amount of fiat currency that is payable at any giventime, such as $60 to mint 100 tokens. Once deposited, the I-Nodes 102can be instructed to mint tokens. The !-Nodes 102 can also be instructedto transact with suppliers based on the minted tokens. For example, anI-Node 102 can be instructed to initiate a payment of 70 tokens to aTier 1 supplier (“Supplier A”). The I-Node 102 can be configured togenerate a data record reflecting the transaction. The data record cancorrespond to a blockchain transaction to be posted to the blockchainassociated with the blockchain network 120. The data record may includevarious details describing the transaction, such a transactiondescription (e.g., transaction date, sender address, destinationaddress, transaction amount), entity information (e.g., entity name,wallet address, etc.), among other information. The data record may thenbe posted to the blockchain. For example, the data record may be postedby the I-Node 102. The data record may be subsequently verified by oneor more nodes included in the blockchain network 120, such as theT-Nodes 106. The data record may then be a part of the blockchainassociated with the blockchain network 120. Supplier A can conducttransactions with other tiered suppliers in the supply chain based ontokens in its possession. For example, Supplier A can pay 20 tokens to aU-Node 108 associated with a tiered supplier. Further, Supplier A alsohas the option to convert tokens received from the entity to fiat ordigital currency. For example, after paying 20 tokens to the tieredsupplier, Supplier A can opt to exchange the remaining 50 tokens forfiat or digital currency. In this example, Supplier A can interact withthe I-Nodes 102 and/or the financial institution 104 to exchange the 50tokens for 50 USD. For example, Supplier A can transfer the 50 tokens toa digital wallet associated with the entity. The entity can instruct thefinancial institution 104 to transfer the 50 USD from the bank account105. In some embodiments, a computing system associated with thefinancial institution 104 can be configured to exchange tokens for fiatcurrency or digital currency. In such embodiments, the computing systemcan transfer the fiat currency or digital currency from the bank account105 associated with Company A. Once transferred, the exchanged tokenscan be burned (or cryptographically destroyed).

The I-Nodes 122 and the T-Nodes 126 can be configured to manage ablockchain-based supply chain payment network for Company B. Forexample, the !-Nodes 122 can be configured to mint and burncryptocurrency tokens as needed to support the blockchain-based supplychain payment network. In some embodiments, the minted tokens arestablecoins pegged to a fiat currency. For example, a single token canbe pegged to a single U.S. dollar. Thus, when minting tokens under suchembodiments, Company B can cause some amount of fiat currency to bedeposited in a bank account 125 associated with the financialinstitution 124. The amount deposited can be consistent with an amountof minted tokens to be redeemable. However, as mentioned, Company B canalso deposit a lesser amount of fiat currency to mint the tokens. Oncedeposited, the I-Nodes 122 can be instructed to mint tokens. The I-Nodes122 can also be instructed to transact with suppliers based on theminted tokens. The I-Node 122 can be configured to generate a datarecord reflecting each transaction. The data record can correspond to ablockchain transaction to be posted to the blockchain associated withthe blockchain network 130. The data record may include various detailsdescribing the transaction, such a transaction description (e.g.,transaction date, sender address, destination address, transactionamount), entity information (e.g., entity name, wallet address, etc.),among other information. The data record may then be posted to theblockchain. For example, the data record may be posted by the I-Node122. The data record may be subsequently verified by one or more nodesincluded in the blockchain network 130, such as the T-Nodes 126. Thedata record may then be a part of the blockchain associated with theblockchain network 130. For example, an !-Node 122 can be instructed toprovide a payment based on minted tokens to suppliers. Suppliers cantransact with other suppliers based on the minted tokens. Suppliers canalso redeem (or exchange) tokens received to fiat or digital currency,as described above.

In some instances, suppliers may be associated with multipleblockchain-based supply chain payment networks. For example, a Tier 1supplier may provide parts to multiple companies. In such instances, anode associated with the Tier 1 supplier can be associated with multipleblockchain networks. For example, in FIG. 1A, a T-Node 110 controlled bythe Tier 1 supplier is included in both the blockchain-based supplychain payment network associated with Company A (e.g., the blockchainnetwork 120) and the blockchain-based supply chain payment networkassociated with Company B (e.g., the blockchain network 130). In thisexample, the T-Node 110 can be configured to implement blockchainprotocols utilized by both the blockchain network 120 and the blockchainnetwork 130. Many variations are possible. In another example, a Tier 2supplier may participate in both the blockchain-based supply chainpayment network associated with Company A (e.g., the blockchain network120) and the blockchain-based supply chain payment network associatedwith Company B (e.g., the blockchain network 130). In such instances, aU-Node 112 associated with the Tier 2 supplier can be configured toconduct transactions based on tokens for different blockchain-basedsupply chain payment networks. For example, the U-Node 112 can implementa multi-token digital wallet that can manage tokens minted by theI-Nodes 102 associated with Company A and tokens minted by the I-Nodes122 associated with Company B. Many variations are possible.

FIG. 1B illustrates a flowchart of an example method 150, according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method150 can be performed by the system 100 of FIG. 1A.

At block 152, payment tokens to conduct transactions within ablockchain-based supply chain payment network can be minted. The paymenttokens can be pegged to fiat currency or digital currency. The paymenttokens can be minted by a computing system that serves as a node in theblockchain-based supply chain payment network. At block 154, a number ofpayment tokens to be provided to a network participant as payment can bedetermined. The network participant can be a supplier associated withthe blockchain-based supply chain payment network. At block 156, thenumber of payment tokens can be provided for deposit in a digital walletassociated with the network participant as payment. The payment tokenscan be redeemed as fiat or digital currency, as described herein.

The operations of method 150 are intended to be illustrative. Dependingon the implementation, the example method 150 may include additional,fewer, or alternative steps performed in various orders or in parallel.The example method 150 may be implemented in various computing systemsor devices including one or more processors.

FIG. 2A illustrates a system 200 for implementing blockchain-basedsupply chain payment networks. The system 200 can include I-Nodes 202controlled by an entity (e.g., “Company A”), a financial institution204, T-Nodes 206 controlled or hosted by a data platform or serviceprovider that facilitates blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetworks, and U-nodes 208 controlled by suppliers in supply chainnetworks associated with Company A and/or other companies, such asCompany B. The system 200 can also include I-Nodes 222 controlled byanother entity (e.g., “Company B”) and a financial institution 224. Forexample, an I-Node 202 and an I-Node 222 can implement an I-Node module404, as described in reference to FIG. 4. A T-Node 206 can implement aT-Node module 504, as described in reference to FIG. 5. Further, aU-Node 208 can implement a U-Node module 604, as described in referenceto FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the I-Nodes 202, I-Nodes 222, T-Nodes206, and U-Nodes 208 can participate as nodes in a blockchain network220. In some embodiments, the !-Nodes 202, I-Nodes 222, and T-Nodes 206can participate as nodes in the blockchain network 220 while the U-Nodes208 operate as digital wallets.

In some embodiments, a computing system associated with the financialinstitution 204 can implement a digital wallet that facilitates thetransfer of tokens from tiered suppliers (e.g., U-Nodes 208) to thefinancial institution 204. For example, the computing system associatedwith the financial institution 204 can facilitate conversion of paymenttokens to fiat or digital currency. For example, the computing systemassociated with the financial institution 204 can facilitate conversionof payment tokens to fiat or digital currency for suppliers included ina blockchain-based supply chain payment network associated with CompanyA. In some embodiments, a computing system associated with the financialinstitution 204 can implement an I-Node module 404, as described inreference to FIG. 4. In some embodiments, a computing system associatedwith the financial institution 204 can implement a U-Node module 604, asdescribed in reference to FIG. 6. Similarly, a computing systemassociated with the financial institution 224 can implement a digitalwallet that facilitates the transfer of tokens from tiered suppliers(e.g., U-Nodes 208) to the financial institution 224. For example, thecomputing system associated with the financial institution 224 canfacilitate conversion of payment tokens to fiat or digital currency forsuppliers included in a blockchain-based supply chain payment networkassociated with Company B. In some embodiments, a computing systemassociated with the financial institution 224 can implement an I-Nodemodule 404, as described in reference to FIG. 4. In some embodiments, acomputing system associated with the financial institution 224 canimplement a U-Node module 604, as described in reference to FIG. 6. Insome embodiments, rather than relying on the financial institutions 204,224 to exchange tokens to fiat or digital currency, the data platformhosting service provider that controls the T-Nodes 206 can provideservices to exchange tokens to fiat or digital currency. For example, anetwork participant associated with the blockchain-based supply chainpayment network for Company A can transfer payment tokens minted forcirculation in the blockchain-based supply chain payment network forCompany A to the data platform or hosting service provider forredemption. The data platform or hosting service provider can convertthe payment tokens to fiat or digital currency, and can transfer thefiat currency to a bank account associated with the network participant.Once transferred, the exchanged tokens can be burned (orcryptographically destroyed). Similarly, a network participantassociated with the blockchain-based supply chain payment network forCompany B can transfer payment tokens minted for circulation in theblockchain-based supply chain payment network for Company B to the dataplatform or hosting service provider for redemption. The data platformor hosting service provider can convert the payment tokens to fiat ordigital currency, and can transfer the fiat or digital currency to abank account associated with the network participant. Once transferred,the exchanged tokens can be burned (or cryptographically destroyed).

The blockchain network 220 can be associated with a unified blockchain.In various embodiments, the unified blockchain can be used to recordtransactions that occur in multiple blockchain-based supply chainpayment networks. That is, the unified blockchain supports transactionsbased on different types of payment tokens. For example, in FIG. 2A, theunified blockchain can be used to record transactions that occur insupply chain payment networks associated with both Company A and CompanyB. For example, the unified blockchain can support transactions thatinvolve payments based on payment tokens minted by Company A (e.g., theI-Nodes 202) and transactions that involve payments based on paymenttokens minted by Company B (e.g., the I-Nodes 222). In some embodiments,the unified blockchain associated with the blockchain network 220 can bea “private” blockchain that is restricted to Company A and/or Company B,and their suppliers. In some embodiments, the I-Nodes 202, !-Nodes 222,and T-Nodes 206 can be configured to post blockchain transactions to theunified blockchain associated with the blockchain network 220. TheI-Nodes 202, !-Nodes 222, and T-Nodes 206 can also be configured tovalidate transactions posted to the unified blockchain. In someembodiments, only T-Nodes 206 can be configured to post transactions tothe unified blockchain associated with the blockchain network 220 andvalidate transactions posted to the unified blockchain. In general,transactions posted to the unified blockchain can be validated usinggenerally known techniques including, for example, proof of workcalculations and confirmations, proof of stake calculations andconfirmations, proof of authority calculations and confirmations, proofof history calculations and confirmations, proof of two calculations andconfirmations, and proof of N calculations and confirmations, to namesome examples.

The I-Nodes 202 can be configured to manage a blockchain-based supplychain payment network for Company A. For example, the I-Nodes 202 can beconfigured to mint and burn payment tokens as needed to support theblockchain-based supply chain payment network. In some embodiments, theminted tokens are stablecoins pegged to a fiat or digital currency. Forexample, a single token can be pegged to a single U.S. dollar. Thus,when minting tokens under such embodiments, Company A can cause someamount of fiat currency to be deposited in a bank account 205 associatedwith the financial institution 204. The amount deposited can beconsistent with or less than an amount of tokens to be minted. Oncedeposited, the !-Nodes 202 can be instructed to mint tokens commensurateto the amount of fiat currency deposited or payable. The I-Nodes 202 canalso be instructed to transact with suppliers based on the mintedtokens. The I-Node 202 can be configured to generate a data recordreflecting each transaction. The data record can correspond to ablockchain transaction to be posted to the blockchain associated withthe blockchain network 220. The data record may include various detailsdescribing the transaction, such a transaction description (e.g.,transaction date, sender address, destination address, transactionamount), entity information (e.g., entity name, wallet address, etc.),among other information. The data record may then be posted to theblockchain. For example, the data record may be posted by the I-Node202. The data record may be subsequently verified by one or more nodesincluded in the blockchain network 220, such as the T-Nodes 206. Thedata record may then be a part of the blockchain associated with theblockchain network 220. For example, an I-Node 202 can be instructed toprovide a payment based on minted tokens to suppliers. Suppliers cantransact with other suppliers based on the minted tokens. Suppliers canalso redeem (or exchange) tokens received to fiat or digital currency,as described above.

For example, when minting tokens under such embodiments, Company A cancause some amount of fiat currency to be deposited in a bank account 205associated with the financial institution 204. The amount deposited canbe consistent with or less than an amount of tokens to be minted. Forexample, Company A can deposit $100 to mint 100 tokens. In anotherexample, Company A can deposit $50 to mint 100 tokens. Once deposited,the I-Nodes 202 can be instructed to mint tokens commensurate to theamount of fiat currency deposited or payable. The I-Nodes 202 can alsobe instructed to transact with suppliers based on the minted tokens. Forexample, an I-Node 202 can be instructed to initiate a payment of 70tokens to a Tier 1 supplier (“Supplier A”). The !-Node 202 can beconfigured to generate a data record reflecting the transaction. Thedata record can correspond to a blockchain transaction to be posted tothe blockchain associated with the blockchain network 220. The datarecord may include various details describing the transaction, such atransaction description (e.g., transaction date, sender address,destination address, transaction amount), entity information (e.g.,entity name, wallet address, etc.), among other information. The datarecord may then be posted to the blockchain. For example, the datarecord may be posted and verified by one or more nodes included in theblockchain network 220, such as the T-Nodes 206. The data record maythen be a part of the blockchain associated with the blockchain network220. Supplier A can conduct transactions with other tiered suppliers inthe supply chain based on tokens available to Supplier A. For example,Supplier A can pay 20 tokens to a network participant that correspondsto a tiered supplier. Further, Supplier A also has the option to converttokens received from the entity to fiat or digital currency. Forexample, after paying 20 tokens to the tiered supplier, Supplier A canopt to exchange the remaining 50 tokens for fiat or digital currency. Inthis example, Supplier A can interact with the I-Nodes 202 and/or thefinancial institution 204 to exchange the 50 tokens for 50 USD. Theexchanged tokens can be burned (or cryptographically destroyed).

Similarly, the I-Nodes 222 can be configured to manage ablockchain-based supply chain payment network for Company B. Forexample, the I-Nodes 222 can be configured to mint and burn paymenttokens as needed to support the blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork. Further, transactions can be conducted based on the mintedpayment tokens. In various embodiments, payment tokens minted for aparticular blockchain-based supply chain payment network can only beused to conduct transactions within that blockchain-based supply chainpayment network. In such embodiments, tokens minted by Company A canonly be used to conduct transactions with participants in theblockchain-based supply chain payment network associated with Company A.Further, tokens minted by Company B can only be used to conducttransactions with participants in the blockchain-based supply chainpayment network associated with Company B.

For example, when minting tokens under such embodiments, Company B cancause some amount of fiat currency to be deposited in a bank account 225associated with the financial institution 224. The amount deposited canbe consistent with or less than an amount of tokens to be minted. Forexample, Company B can deposit $200 to mint 200 tokens. Once deposited,the I-Nodes 222 can be instructed to mint tokens commensurate to theamount of fiat currency deposited or payable. The I-Nodes 222 can alsobe instructed to transact with suppliers based on the minted tokens. Forexample, an I-Node 222 can be instructed to initiate a payment of 170tokens to a Tier 1 supplier (“Supplier B”). The I-Node 222 can beconfigured to generate a data record reflecting the transaction. Thedata record can correspond to a blockchain transaction to be posted tothe blockchain associated with the blockchain network 220. The datarecord may include various details describing the transaction, such atransaction description (e.g., transaction date, sender address,destination address, transaction amount), entity information (e.g.,entity name, wallet address, etc.), among other information. The datarecord may then be posted to the blockchain. For example, the datarecord may be posted and verified by one or more nodes included in theblockchain network 220, such as the T-Nodes 206. The data record maythen be a part of the blockchain associated with the blockchain network220. Supplier B can conduct transactions with other tiered suppliers inthe supply chain based on tokens available to Supplier B. For example,Supplier B can pay 120 tokens to a network participant that correspondsto a tiered supplier. Further, Supplier B also has the option to converttokens received from the entity to fiat or digital currency. Forexample, after paying 120 tokens to the tiered supplier, Supplier B canopt to exchange the remaining 50 tokens for fiat or digital currency. Inthis example, Supplier B can interact with the I-Nodes 222 and/or thefinancial institution 224 to exchange the 50 tokens for 50 USD in fiator digital currency. Once complete, the exchanged tokens can be burned(or cryptographically destroyed).

FIG. 2B illustrates a flowchart of an example method 250, according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method250 can be performed by the system 200 of FIG. 2A.

At block 252, a blockchain associated with at least a firstblockchain-based supply chain payment network and a secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network is stored. The blockchaincan be a distributed database that includes a plurality of data recordsthat represent transactions in the first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network and transactions in the second blockchain-based supplychain payment network. At block 254, a transaction between networkparticipants associated with the first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network can be determined. The transaction can be based onpayment tokens minted for circulation in the first blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network. At block 256, a data record thatrepresents the transaction between the network participants associatedwith the first blockchain-based supply chain payment network can beverified. The data record can be posted to the blockchain associatedwith the first blockchain-based supply chain payment network and thesecond blockchain-based supply chain payment network.

The operations of method 250 are intended to be illustrative. Dependingon the implementation, the example method 250 may include additional,fewer, or alternative steps performed in various orders or in parallel.The example method 250 may be implemented in various computing systemsor devices including one or more processors.

FIG. 3A illustrates a system 300 for implementing virtualizedblockchain-based supply chain payment networks. The system 300 caninclude I-Nodes 302 controlled by a first entity (e.g., “Company A”), afinancial institution 304 associated with the first entity, I-Nodes 322controlled by a second entity (e.g., “Company B”), a financialinstitution 324 associated with the second entity, a hosted blockchainnetwork 306 that facilitates blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetworks, and U-nodes 308 controlled by suppliers in various supplychain networks. The hosted blockchain network 306 can provide one ormore computing systems that host a first set of virtual T-nodes 312 thatmanage a first blockchain-based supply chain payment network associatedwith Company A and a second set of virtual T-Nodes 316 that manage asecond blockchain-based supply chain payment network associated withCompany B. For example, a computing system associated with the hostedblockchain network 306 can implement generally known virtualizationtechniques to run a first virtual machine that serves as a virtualT-Node for the first blockchain-based supply chain payment networkassociated with Company A and a second virtual machine that serves as avirtual T-Node for the second blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork associated with Company B.

In various embodiments, the I-Nodes 302, virtual T-Nodes 312, andU-Nodes 308 can be associated with the first blockchain-based supplychain payment network for Company A. Thus, the I-Nodes 302, virtualT-Nodes 312, and U-Nodes 308 can participate as nodes in a blockchainnetwork 314 associated with the first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network. In some embodiments, the I-Nodes 302 and virtualT-Nodes 312 can participate as nodes in the blockchain network 314 whilethe U-Nodes 308 operate as digital wallets. For example, an I-Node 302can implement an !-Node module 404, as described in reference to FIG. 4.A virtual T-Node 312 can implement a T-Node module 504, as described inreference to FIG. 5. Further, a U-Node 308 can implement a U-Node module604, as described in reference to FIG. 6. The nodes in the firstblockchain-based supply chain payment network can post and validatetransactions that occur based on payment tokens minted for circulationin the first blockchain-based supply chain payment network. For example,the nodes can implement a blockchain protocol associated with theblockchain network 314.

The blockchain network 314 can be associated with a first blockchain. Invarious embodiments, the first blockchain can be used to recordtransactions that occur in the first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network. That is, the first blockchain supports transactionsbased on payment tokens minted for circulation in the firstblockchain-based supply chain payment network. For example, in FIG. 3A,the first blockchain can be used to record transactions that occur inthe supply chain network associated with Company A. For example, thefirst blockchain can support transactions that involve payments based onpayment tokens minted by Company A (e.g., the I-Nodes 302). In someembodiments, the first blockchain associated with the blockchain network314 can be a “private” blockchain that is restricted to Company A andits suppliers. In some embodiments, the I-Nodes 302 and/or virtualT-Nodes 312 can be configured to post blockchain transactions to thefirst blockchain associated with the blockchain network 314. The I-Nodes302 and/or virtual T-Nodes 312 can also be configured to validatetransactions posted to the first blockchain. In some embodiments, onlyvirtual T-Nodes 312 can be configured to post and validate transactionsto the first blockchain. In general, transactions posted to theblockchain can be validated using generally known techniques including,for example, proof of work calculations and confirmations, proof ofstake calculations and confirmations, proof of authority calculationsand confirmations, proof of history calculations and confirmations,proof of two calculations and confirmations, and proof of N calculationsand confirmations, to name some examples.

In various embodiments, the I-Nodes 322, virtual T-Nodes 316, andU-Nodes 308 can be associated with the second blockchain-based supplychain payment network for Company B. Thus, the I-Nodes 322, virtualT-Nodes 316, and U-Nodes 308 can participate as nodes in a blockchainnetwork 318 associated with the second blockchain-based supply chainpayment network. In some embodiments, the I-Nodes 322 and virtualT-Nodes 316 can participate as nodes in the blockchain network 318 whilethe U-Nodes 308 operate as digital wallets. For example, an I-Node 322can implement an I-Node module 404, as described in reference to FIG. 4.A virtual T-Node 316 can implement a T-Node module 504, as described inreference to FIG. 5. The nodes in the second blockchain-based supplychain payment network can post and validate transactions that occurbased on payment tokens minted for circulation in the secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network. For example, the nodescan implement the same or different blockchain protocol associated withthe blockchain network 318.

The blockchain network 318 can be associated with a second blockchain.In various embodiments, the second blockchain can be used to recordtransactions that occur in the second blockchain-based supply chainpayment network. That is, the second blockchain supports transactionsbased on payment tokens minted for circulation in the secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network. For example, in FIG. 3A,the second blockchain can be used to record transactions that occur inthe supply chain payment network associated with Company B. For example,the second blockchain can support transactions that involve paymentsbased on payment tokens minted by Company B (e.g., the I-Nodes 322). Insome embodiments, the second blockchain associated with the blockchainnetwork 314 can be a “private” blockchain that is restricted to CompanyB and its suppliers. In some embodiments, the I-Nodes 322 and virtualT-Nodes 316 can be configured to post blockchain transactions to thesecond blockchain associated with the blockchain network 314. TheI-Nodes 322 and virtual T-Nodes 316 can also be configured to validatetransactions posted to the second blockchain. In some embodiments, onlyvirtual T-Nodes 316 can be configured to post and validate transactionsto the second blockchain. In general, transactions posted to the secondblockchain can be validated using generally known techniques including,for example, proof of work calculations and confirmations, proof ofstake calculations and confirmations, proof of authority calculationsand confirmations, proof of history calculations and confirmations,proof of two calculations and confirmations, and proof of N calculationsand confirmations, to name some examples.

The I-Nodes 302 can be configured to manage the first blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network for Company A. For example, the I-Nodes 302can be configured to mint and burn payment tokens as needed to supportthe blockchain-based supply chain payment network. In some embodiments,the minted tokens are stablecoins pegged to a fiat currency. Forexample, a single token can be pegged to a single U.S. dollar. Thus,when minting tokens under such embodiments, Company A can cause someamount of fiat currency to be deposited in a bank account 305 associatedwith the financial institution 304. The amount deposited can beconsistent with or less than an amount of tokens to be minted. Forexample, Company A can deposit $100 to mint 100 tokens. Once deposited,the I-Nodes 302 can be instructed to mint tokens commensurate to theamount of fiat or digital currency deposited or payable. The I-Nodes 302can also be instructed to transact with suppliers based on the mintedtokens. For example, an I-Node 302 can be instructed to initiate apayment of 70 tokens to a Tier 1 supplier (“Supplier A”). The I-Node 302can be configured to generate a data record reflecting the transaction.The data record can correspond to a blockchain transaction to be postedto the first blockchain associated with the blockchain network 314. Thedata record may include various details describing the transaction, sucha transaction description (e.g., transaction date, sender address,destination address, transaction amount), entity information (e.g.,entity name, wallet address, etc.), among other information. The datarecord may then be posted to the first blockchain. For example, the datarecord may be posted by the I-Node 302. The data record may besubsequently verified by one or more nodes included in the blockchainnetwork 314, such as the virtual T-Nodes 312. The data record may thenbe a part of the first blockchain associated with the blockchain network314. Supplier A can conduct transactions with other tiered suppliers inthe supply chain. For example, Supplier A can pay 20 tokens to a networkparticipant that corresponds to a tiered supplier. Further, Supplier Aalso has the option to convert tokens received from the entity to fiator digital currency, as described below.

The I-Nodes 322 can be configured to manage the second blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network for Company B. For example, the I-Nodes 322can be configured to mint and burn payment tokens as needed to supportthe second blockchain-based supply chain payment network. In someembodiments, the minted tokens are stablecoins pegged to a fiatcurrency. For example, a single token can be pegged to a single U.S.dollar. Thus, when minting tokens under such embodiments, Company B cancause some amount of fiat currency to be deposited in a bank account 325associated with the financial institution 324. The amount deposited canbe consistent with or less than an amount of tokens to be minted. Forexample, Company B can deposit $200 to mint 200 tokens. Once deposited,the I-Nodes 322 can be instructed to mint tokens commensurate to theamount of fiat currency deposited or payable. The I-Nodes 322 can alsobe instructed to transact with suppliers based on the minted tokens. Forexample, an I-Node 322 can be instructed to initiate a payment of 170tokens to a Tier 1 supplier (“Supplier B”). The I-Node 322 can beconfigured to generate a data record reflecting the transaction. Thedata record can correspond to a blockchain transaction to be posted tothe second blockchain associated with the blockchain network 318. Thedata record may include various details describing the transaction, sucha transaction description (e.g., transaction date, sender address,destination address, transaction amount), entity information (e.g.,entity name, wallet address, etc.), among other information. The datarecord may then be posted to the second blockchain. For example, thedata record may be posted by the I-Node 322. The data record may besubsequently verified by one or more nodes included in the blockchainnetwork 318, such as the virtual T-Nodes 316. The data record may thenbe a part of the second blockchain associated with the blockchainnetwork 318. Based on tokens available, Supplier B can conducttransactions with other tiered suppliers in the supply chain. Forexample, Supplier B can pay 120 tokens to a network participant thatcorresponds to a tiered supplier. Further, Supplier B also has theoption to convert tokens received from the entity to fiat or digitalcurrency, as described below.

In some embodiments, a computing system associated with the financialinstitution 304 can implement a digital wallet that facilitates thetransfer of tokens from tiered suppliers (e.g., U-Nodes 308) to thefinancial institution 304. For example, the computing system associatedwith the financial institution 304 can facilitate conversion of paymenttokens to fiat or digital currency. For example, the computing systemassociated with the financial institution 304 can facilitate conversionof payment tokens to fiat or digital currency for suppliers included inthe first blockchain-based supply chain payment network associated withCompany A. In some embodiments, a computing system associated with thefinancial institution 304 can implement an I-Node module 404, asdescribed in reference to FIG. 4. In such embodiments, the financialinstitution 304 can mint and burn tokens for Company A. In someembodiments, a computing system associated with the financialinstitution 304 can implement a U-Node module 604, as described inreference to FIG. 6. Similarly, in some embodiments, a computing systemassociated with the financial institution 324 can implement a digitalwallet that facilitates the transfer of tokens from tiered suppliers(e.g., U-Nodes 308) to the financial institution 324. For example, thecomputing system associated with the financial institution 324 canfacilitate conversion of payment tokens to fiat or digital currency. Forexample, the computing system associated with the financial institution324 can facilitate conversion of payment tokens to fiat or digitalcurrency for suppliers included in the second blockchain-based supplychain payment network associated with Company B. In some embodiments, acomputing system associated with the financial institution 324 canimplement an I-Node module 404, as described in reference to FIG. 4. Insuch embodiments, the financial institution 324 can mint and burn tokensfor Company B. In some embodiments, a computing system associated withthe financial institution 324 can implement a U-Node module 604, asdescribed in reference to FIG. 6. In some embodiments, rather thanrelying on the financial institutions 304, 324 to exchange tokens tofiat currency, the hosted blockchain network 306 can provide services toexchange tokens to fiat or digital currency. For example, a networkparticipant associated with the first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network for Company A can transfer payment tokens minted forcirculation in the first blockchain-based supply chain payment networkfor Company A to the hosted blockchain network 306 for redemption. Thehosted blockchain network 306 can convert the payment tokens to fiat ordigital currency, and can transfer the fiat or digital currency to abank account associated with the network participant. Once transferred,the exchanged tokens can be burned (or cryptographically destroyed).Similarly, a network participant associated with the secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network for Company B can transferpayment tokens minted for circulation in the second blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network for Company B to the hosted blockchainnetwork 306 for redemption. The hosted blockchain network 306 canconvert the payment tokens to fiat or digital currency, and can transferthe fiat or digital currency to a bank account associated with thenetwork participant. Once transferred, the exchanged tokens can beburned (or cryptographically destroyed). Many variations are possible.

FIG. 3B illustrates a flowchart of an example method 350, according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method350 can be performed by the system 300 of FIG. 3A.

At block 352, a first blockchain-based supply chain payment network tobe hosted can be determined. The first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network can be associated with a first blockchain. At block 354,a second blockchain-based supply chain payment network to be hosted canbe determined. The second blockchain-based supply chain payment networkcan be associated with a second blockchain. At block 356, at least onefirst virtual machine can be initialized to serve as a node in the firstblockchain-based supply chain payment network. At block 358, at leastone second virtual machine can be initialized to serve as a node in thesecond blockchain-based supply chain payment network.

The operations of method 350 are intended to be illustrative. Dependingon the implementation, the example method 350 may include additional,fewer, or alternative steps performed in various orders or in parallel.The example method 350 may be implemented in various computing systemsor devices including one or more processors.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example environment 400, in accordance withvarious embodiments. The example environment 400 can include at least acomputing system 402. The computing system 402 can include one or moreprocessors and memory among other components, as described in referenceto FIG. 8. The processors can be configured to perform variousoperations by interpreting machine-readable instructions. The computingsystem 402 can include an I-Node module 404. The I-Node module 404 caninclude a blockchain module 406, a token manager module 408, a walletmodule 410, and an application module 412. The blockchain module 406,token manager module 408, wallet module 410, and application module 412can be executed by the processor(s) of the computing system 402 toperform various operations, as described below. In some embodiments, theI-Node module 404 can be implemented, in whole or in part, as softwarethat is capable of running on one or more computing systems or devices.In some embodiments, the I-Node module 404 can be implemented, in wholeor in part, as software that is capable of running on one or moreservers (e.g., cloud servers). In some embodiments, the I-Node module404 can be implemented, in whole or in part, as software that is capableof running on one or more virtual machines.

Further, the computing system 402 can access a data store 430. Ingeneral, a data store may be any device in which data can be stored andfrom which data can be retrieved. In some embodiments, the data store430 may store and manage various data, such as blockchain data,information describing blockchain protocols, encryption keys andalgorithms, communication protocols and standards, data formattingstandards and protocols, program code for modules and applicationprograms of the processing device, and other data that may be suitablefor use by the I-Node module 404 to perform the functions disclosedherein. The computing system 402 and the data store 430 may beaccessible either directly or over a computer network. The computernetwork may be any wired or wireless network through which data can besent and received (e.g., the Internet, local area network, etc.).

The I-Node module 404 can interact with the computing system 402 to sendand receive data over one or more networks based on one or more networkprotocols. For example, the I-Node module 404 can be configured toexchange data (e.g., receive data, send data) with other I-Nodes,T-Nodes, U-Nodes, financial institutions, blockchain networks, and otherentities over computer networks, such as the Internet. The I-Node module404 can also be configured to exchange (e.g., send, receive) blockchaindata, for example, with other I-Nodes, T-Nodes, and blockchain networks.The blockchain data may comprise a blockchain and associated datarecords included in the blockchain. For example, a blockchain datarecord can describe a blockchain transaction between networkparticipants. The data record can include information, such atransaction description (e.g., transaction date, sender address,destination address, transaction amount), entity information (e.g.,entity name, wallet address, etc.), among other information, such assmart contracts associated with the blockchain transaction. The I-Nodemodule 404 can store such blockchain data in the data store 430.

The blockchain module 406 can be configured to manage a blockchain basedon a blockchain protocol. In general, the blockchain module 406 canimplement generally known blockchain protocols. A blockchain protocolcan define a set of rules for managing a blockchain associated with ablockchain network. For example, the blockchain module 406 can implementa blockchain protocol that facilitates transactions based oncryptocurrency (e.g., tokens, coins, stablecoins). The blockchain may beconfigured to store a plurality of data records using a suitable datastorage format and schema. The blockchain may be formatted based ongenerally known approaches. For example, the blockchain can be stored asa relational database that utilizes structured query language to processstructured data sets stored therein. Each data record stored in theblockchain can be associated with a transaction and include blockchaindata associated therewith, such as a transaction description (e.g.,transaction date, sender address, destination address, transactionamount), entity information (e.g., entity name, wallet address, etc.),among other information as known to persons having skill in the relevantart. As an example, the blockchain can be used to record transactionsoccurring in a supply chain associated with a first entity (e.g.,Company A). In such embodiments, the blockchain can be managed based ona blockchain protocol associated with the first entity. Further, thetransactions can be based on cryptocurrency that is managed (e.g.,minted, burned) by the first entity.

The blockchain module 406 can be configured to query the blockchain, forexample, for transaction details based on terms associated with a searchquery. For example, the blockchain module 406 can execute queries toretrieve (or identify) blockchain data representing various transactionsbased on various search criteria. In some embodiments, the blockchainmodule 406 can restrict which entities are permitted to submit suchqueries. For example, in some embodiments, only a top-level companyassociated with a blockchain-based supply chain payment network ispermitted to query the blockchain for transactions. In some embodiments,upstream network participants (e.g., top-tier suppliers) can query theblockchain to view transactions that occur with downstream participants(e.g., lower-tier suppliers). In some embodiments, all networkparticipants can query the blockchain to view transactions that occurdownstream. Many variations are possible.

The blockchain module 406 can be configured to generate data records tobe stored in the blockchain. The data record may be a data recordsuitable for inclusion in the blockchain and include data suitable foruse in validation of a given transaction. The included data may comprisetransaction data values. In some embodiments, one or more of thetransaction data values included in the generated data record may behashed and/or encrypted using one or more suitable hashing andencryption algorithms, respectively.

The blockchain module 406 can update the blockchain based on generateddata records. For example, the blockchain module 406 can determine thata new transaction has occurred. In this example, the blockchain module406 can execute a query to update the blockchain to add a data recordassociated with the new transaction. In some instances, the blockchainmay be stored locally, such as a blockchain stored in the data store430. In other instances, the blockchain may be associated with ablockchain network. In such instances, when the blockchain is updatedwith a generated data record, the generated data record can be submittedto the blockchain network and/or one or more nodes associated with theblockchain network for validation and posting to the blockchain. In someembodiments, the blockchain module 406 can provide (or broadcast) anotification, for example, to other modules of the I-Node module 404 ornodes in the blockchain network, once the blockchain is updated.

The blockchain module 406 can be configured to verify (or validate) datarecords to be stored in the blockchain. For example, the blockchainmodule 406 may receive a data record to be added to a blockchain. Thedata record can describe a transaction. The blockchain module 406 may beconfigured to validate the data record using one or more suitablemethods, such as a proof of work method associated with thecorresponding blockchain including, for example, proof of stakecalculations and confirmations, proof of authority calculations andconfirmations, proof of history calculations and confirmations, proof oftwo calculations and confirmations, and proof of N calculations andconfirmations, to name some examples. The blockchain module 406 can alsooutput an indication of success or failure for the validation. Forexample, if the validation of the data record is successful, theblockchain module 406 may indicate that validation of the data recordwas completed successfully. As a result, the data record can be added tothe blockchain and propagated or broadcasted to nodes of a correspondingblockchain network. The blockchain module 406 can also send anotification to the corresponding blockchain network and/or one or morenodes in the corresponding blockchain network to indicate the successfulvalidation of the data record. Many variations are possible.

The blockchain module 406 can be configured to electronically transmitdata to the blockchain network for posting new blockchain transactionsto the blockchain. In some embodiments, the blockchain module 406 canelectronically transmit data to different blockchain networks. In suchembodiments, the blockchain module 406 can identify a blockchain networkto which data is to be transmitted based on a network identifierassociated with the blockchain network as provided in blockchain data(e.g., data records). In some embodiments, the blockchain module 406 canalso be configured to transmit validation data to the blockchain networkand to nodes associated with the blockchain network. For example, thevalidation data can be transmitted for data records newly added to theblockchain associated with the blockchain network.

The token manager module 408 can be configured to manage payment tokensthat can be used to conduct transactions. For example, the token managermodule 408 can be configured to exchange fiat or digital currency forcryptocurrency tokens, minting new tokens as needed, and burningpreviously used tokens as necessary. In some embodiments, tokens mintedby the token manager module 408 are pegged to a fiat currency (e.g.,U.S. dollars). As an example, a single token can be pegged to a singleU.S. dollar. In such embodiments, an entity (e.g., company) thatcontrols a computing node implementing the I-Node module 404 can providefiat or digital currency (e.g., US Dollars) to a financial institutionin an amount consistent with or less than an amount of tokens to beminted. The minted tokens can be stored in a digital wallet and be usedby the entity to pay other entities (e.g., tiered suppliers) in a supplychain. The fiat or digital currency can be stored in an account (e.g.,bank account, escrow account) provided by the financial institution. Insome embodiments, the financial institution can process requests toredeem (e.g., exchange, cash out) tokens from entities, such as tieredsuppliers associated with a supply chain.

The wallet module 410 can be configured to manage one or more digitalwallets associated with a given entity (e.g., company). The digitalwallets can be implemented using generally known approaches for storingand managing payment tokens. For example, in various embodiments, thewallet module 410 can provide options to send tokens to other entitiesin a blockchain network and receive tokens from other entities in theblockchain network. In some embodiments, the wallet module 410 providesan option to redeem (or cash out) tokens stored in a digital wallet forfiat or digital currency. For example, an entity can interact with thewallet module 410 to request that some amount of tokens be converted tofiat or digital currency. In this example, the wallet module 410 candetermine an amount of fiat or digital currency to be withdrawn from anaccount at a financial institution based on the amount of tokens to beconverted. The wallet module 410 can provide a request to withdraw theamount of fiat or digital currency from the account to a computingsystem associated with the financial institution. The converted tokenscan be burned as part of the withdrawal. In some embodiments, the walletmodule 410 can be implemented as a software application that can run oncomputing devices.

The application module 412 can be configured to use blockchain data forvarious applications. For example, in some embodiments, the applicationmodule 412 can create and evaluate smart contracts based on generallyknown approaches. A smart contract can involve transactions involvingmultiple entities in a blockchain network. The application module 412can provide various options to construct and evaluate smart contracts.For example, a smart contract can be written as computer code that iscommitted to a blockchain. The smart contract can be associated withconditions. When an event described in the smart contract is triggered,the computer code associated with the smart contract can execute. As anexample, a smart contract may be created between a company and asupplier. The smart contract can be associated with a condition thatrequires the supplier to ship supplies to effectuate a payment by thecompany. In this example, when the supplies are shipped, the payment canautomatically be transferred from a digital wallet associated with thecompany to a digital wallet associated with the supplier. Manyvariations are possible.

In some embodiments, the application module 412 can be configured togenerate a supply chain report. For example, the application module 412can query a blockchain to identify transactions associated with a supplychain. The identified transactions can be used to generate a report thatidentifies various transaction information, such as transactiondescriptions (e.g., transaction date, sender address, destinationaddress, transaction amount) and entity information (e.g., entity name,wallet address, etc.), for example. The report can thus identifypayments made from one entity to another entity in the supply chain. Insuch embodiments, a company associated with the supply chain can readilyidentify suppliers in its supply chain across different tiers based ontransactions conducted by those suppliers and related payments based onpayment tokens. In some embodiments, the types of information that canbe accessed can be restricted. For example, only supplier identityand/or payment amount can be exposed. In some embodiments, theapplication module 412 can evaluate such supply chain reports forcompliance purposes. For example, the application module 412 canevaluate a supply chain report to identify non-compliant suppliers basedon a pre-defined list of non-compliant suppliers. For example, based onan evaluation of the supply chain report, the application module 412 canidentify a supplier that has previously been cited for labor-relatedissues. In this example, the company can take action to remove orreplace the non-compliant suppliers from its supply chain.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example environment 500, in accordance withvarious embodiments. The example environment 500 can include at least acomputing system 502. The computing system 502 can include one or moreprocessors and memory among other components, as described in referenceto FIG. 8. The processors can be configured to perform variousoperations by interpreting machine-readable instructions. The computingsystem 502 can include a T-Node module 504. The T-Node module 504 caninclude a blockchain module 506, a virtualization module 508, a walletmodule 510, and an application module 512. The blockchain module 506,virtualization module 508, wallet module 510, and application module 512can be executed by the processor(s) of the computing system 502 toperform various operations, as described below. In some embodiments, theT-Node module 504 can be implemented, in whole or in part, as softwarethat is capable of running on one or more computing systems or devices.In some embodiments, the T-Node module 504 can be implemented, in wholeor in part, as software that is capable of running on one or moreservers (e.g., cloud servers). In some embodiments, the T-Node module504 can be implemented, in whole or in part, as software that is capableof running on one or more virtual machines.

Further, the computing system 502 can access a data store 530. Ingeneral, a data store may be any device in which data can be stored andfrom which data can be retrieved. In some embodiments, the data store530 may store and manage various data, such as blockchain data,information describing blockchain protocols, encryption keys andalgorithms, communication protocols and standards, data formattingstandards and protocols, program code for modules and applicationprograms of the processing device, and other data that may be suitablefor use by the T-Node module 504 to perform the functions disclosedherein. The computing system 502 and the data store 530 may beaccessible either directly or over a computer network. The computernetwork may be any wired or wireless network through which data can besent and received (e.g., the Internet, local area network, etc.).

The T-Node module 504 can interact with the computing system 502 to sendand receive data over one or more networks based on one or more networkprotocols. For example, the T-Node module 504 can be configured toexchange data (e.g., receive data, send data) with other I-Nodes,T-Nodes, U-Nodes, financial institutions, blockchain networks, and otherentities over computer networks, such as the Internet. The T-Node module504 can also be configured to exchange (e.g., send, receive) blockchaindata, for example, with other I-Nodes, T-Nodes, and blockchain networks.The blockchain data may comprise a blockchain and associated datarecords included in the blockchain. For example, a blockchain datarecord can describe a blockchain transaction between networkparticipants. The data record can include information, such atransaction description (e.g., transaction date, sender address,destination address, transaction amount), entity information (e.g.,entity name, wallet address, etc.), among other information, such assmart contracts associated with the blockchain transaction. The T-Nodemodule 504 can store such blockchain data in the data store 530.

The blockchain module 506 can be configured to manage a blockchain basedon a blockchain protocol. In general, the blockchain module 506 canimplement generally known blockchain protocols. A blockchain protocolcan define a set of rules for managing a blockchain associated with ablockchain network. For example, the blockchain module 506 can implementa blockchain protocol that facilitates transactions based oncryptocurrency (e.g., tokens, coins, stablecoins). The blockchain may beconfigured to store a plurality of data records using a suitable datastorage format and schema. The blockchain may be formatted based ongenerally known approaches. For example, the blockchain can be stored asa relational database that utilizes structured query language to processstructured data sets stored therein. Each data record stored in theblockchain can be associated with a transaction and include blockchaindata associated therewith, such as a transaction description (e.g.,transaction date, sender address, destination address, transactionamount), entity information (e.g., entity name, wallet address, etc.),among other information as known to persons having skill in the relevantart. As an example, the blockchain can be used to record transactionsoccurring in a supply chain associated with a first entity (e.g.,Company A). In such embodiments, the blockchain can be managed based ona blockchain protocol associated with the first entity. Further, thetransactions can be based on cryptocurrency that is managed (e.g.,minted, burned) by the first entity.

The blockchain module 506 can be configured to query the blockchain, forexample, for transaction details based on terms associated with a searchquery. For example, the blockchain module 506 can execute queries toretrieve (or identify) blockchain data representing various transactionsbased on various search criteria. In some embodiments, the blockchainmodule 506 can restrict which entities are permitted to submit suchqueries. For example, in some embodiments, only a top-level companyassociated with a blockchain-based supply chain payment network ispermitted to query the blockchain for transactions. In some embodiments,selected parties or upstream suppliers in a supply chain associated witha blockchain-based supply chain payment network are permitted to querythe blockchain for transactions. In some embodiments, all or selectednetwork participants can query the blockchain to view transactions thatoccur downstream. In some embodiments, information provided in responseto queries can be restricted based on various privacy considerations.Many variations are possible.

The blockchain module 506 can be configured to generate data records tobe stored in the blockchain. The data record may be a data recordsuitable for inclusion in the blockchain and include data suitable foruse in validation of a given transaction. The included data may comprisetransaction data values. In some embodiments, one or more of thetransaction data values included in the generated data record may behashed and/or encrypted using one or more suitable hashing andencryption algorithms, respectively.

The blockchain module 506 can update the blockchain based on generateddata records. For example, the blockchain module 506 can determine thata new transaction has occurred. In this example, the blockchain module506 can execute a query to update the blockchain to add a data recordassociated with the new transaction. In some instances, the blockchainmay be stored locally, such as a blockchain stored in the data store530. In other instances, the blockchain may be associated with ablockchain network. In such instances, when the blockchain is updatedwith a generated data record, the generated data record can be submittedto the blockchain network and/or one or more nodes associated with theblockchain network for validation and posting to the blockchain. In someembodiments, the blockchain module 506 can provide (or broadcast) anotification, for example, to other modules of the T-Node module 504 ornodes in the blockchain network, once the blockchain is updated.

The blockchain module 506 can be configured to verify (or validate) datarecords to be stored in the blockchain. For example, the blockchainmodule 506 may receive a data record to be added to a blockchain. Thedata record can describe a transaction. The blockchain module 506 may beconfigured to validate the data record using one or more suitablemethods, such as a proof of work method associated with thecorresponding blockchain including, for example, proof of stakecalculations and confirmations, proof of authority calculations andconfirmations, proof of history calculations and confirmations, proof oftwo calculations and confirmations, and proof of N calculations andconfirmations, to name some examples. The blockchain module 506 can alsooutput an indication of success or failure for the validation. Forexample, if the validation of the data record is successful, theblockchain module 506 may indicate that validation of the data recordwas completed successfully. As a result, the data record can be added tothe blockchain and propagated to nodes of a corresponding blockchainnetwork. The blockchain module 506 can also send a notification to thecorresponding blockchain network and/or one or more nodes in thecorresponding blockchain network to indicate the successful validationof the data record. Many variations are possible.

The blockchain module 506 can be configured to electronically transmitdata to the blockchain network for posting new blockchain transactionsto the blockchain. In some embodiments, the blockchain module 506 canelectronically transmit data to different blockchain networks. In suchembodiments, the blockchain module 506 can identify a blockchain networkto which data is to be transmitted based on a network identifierassociated with the blockchain network as provided in blockchain data(e.g., data records). In some embodiments, the blockchain module 506 canalso be configured to transmit validation data to the blockchain networkand to nodes associated with the blockchain network. For example, thevalidation data can be transmitted for data records newly added to theblockchain associated with the blockchain network.

In some embodiments, the blockchain module 506 can be configured tomanage a unified blockchain associated with a blockchain network, asillustrated in the example of FIG. 2A. The unified blockchain can beused to record transactions that occur in different blockchain-basedsupply chain payment networks. That is, the unified blockchain supportstransactions based on different types of payment tokens that are mintedfor circulation in different blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetworks. For example, the blockchain can be used to record transactionsthat occur in a first blockchain-based supply chain payment networkassociated with Company A and a second blockchain-based supply chainpayment network associated with Company B. For example, the blockchaincan support transactions that involve payments based on payment tokensminted by Company A (e.g., the I-Nodes 202) and transactions thatinvolve payments based on payment tokens minted by Company B (e.g., theI-Nodes 222). In some embodiments, the unified blockchain associatedwith the blockchain network can be a “private” blockchain that isrestricted to Company A and/or Company B, and their suppliers. In someembodiments, the nodes of the blockchain network can be configured topost blockchain transactions to the unified blockchain. The nodes canalso be configured to validate transactions posted to the unifiedblockchain. In general, transactions posted to the unified blockchaincan be validated using generally known techniques including, forexample, proof of work calculations and confirmations, proof of stakecalculations and confirmations, proof of authority calculations andconfirmations, proof of history calculations and confirmations, proof oftwo calculations and confirmations, and proof of N calculations andconfirmations, to name some examples. In some embodiments, the unifiedblockchain is hosted by a blockchain-based supply chain network. In suchembodiments, the unified blockchain can be managed exclusively by theblockchain-based supply chain network. For example, in such embodiments,the T-Node module 504 can be implemented in one or more compute nodesthat are managed by the network.

The virtualization module 508 can be configured to initialize (orlaunch) virtual machines that can serve as virtual nodes in ablockchain-based supply chain payment network, as illustrated in theexample of FIG. 3A. For example, a hosted blockchain network can includea plurality of computing systems. The hosted blockchain network cansupport multiple blockchains associated with different blockchain-basedsupply chain payment networks. For example, the hosted blockchainnetwork can host a first blockchain-based supply chain payment networkassociated with Company A and a second blockchain-based supply chainpayment network associated with Company B. In this example, thevirtualization module 508 can launch a first virtual machine that hostsa blockchain associated with the first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network. In some embodiments, the first virtual machine canperform operations to manage the first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network based on functionality associated with the T-Node module504. For example, the first virtual machine can manage the blockchainassociated with the first blockchain-based supply chain payment network,as described herein. Similarly, the virtualization module 508 can launcha second virtual machine that hosts a blockchain associated with thesecond blockchain-based supply chain payment network. In someembodiments, the second virtual machine can perform operations to managethe second blockchain-based supply chain payment network based onfunctionality associated with the T-Node module 504. For example, thesecond virtual machine can manage the blockchain associated with thesecond blockchain-based supply chain payment network, as describedherein. In various embodiments, the virtualization module 508 candynamically add and remove virtual machines tasked with hosting a newblockchain-based supply chain payment network as needed. For example,the virtualization module 508 can launch additional virtual machines onadditional computing systems to support the blockchain associated withthe first blockchain-based supply chain payment network. Thevirtualization module 508 can also deactivate virtual machines thatsupport the blockchain associated with the first blockchain-based supplychain payment network as needed. Similarly, the virtualization module508 can launch additional virtual machines on additional computingsystems to support the blockchain associated with the secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network. The virtualization module508 can also deactivate virtual machines that support the blockchainassociated with the second blockchain-based supply chain payment networkas needed. Many variations are possible.

The wallet module 510 can be configured to manage one or more digitalwallets associated with a given entity (e.g., company). The digitalwallets can be implemented using generally known approaches for storingand managing payment tokens. For example, in various embodiments, thewallet module 510 can provide options to send tokens to other entitiesin a blockchain network and receive tokens from other entities in theblockchain network. In some embodiments, the wallet module 510 providesan option to redeem (or cash out) tokens stored in a digital wallet forfiat or digital currency. For example, an entity can interact with thewallet module 510 to request that some amount of tokens be converted tofiat or digital currency. In this example, the wallet module 510 candetermine an amount of fiat or digital currency to be withdrawn from anaccount at a financial institution based on the amount of tokens to beconverted. The wallet module 510 can provide a request to withdraw theamount of fiat or digital currency from the account to a computingsystem associated with the financial institution. The converted tokenscan be burned as part of the withdrawal. In some embodiments, the walletmodule 510 can be implemented as a software application that can run oncomputing devices. Many variations are possible. For example, in someembodiments, the wallet module 510 can provide a request to withdraw theamount of fiat or digital currency to a computing system associated witha blockchain-based supply chain network. In such embodiments, theplatform can facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrency tokens to fiat ordigital currency. In some embodiments, the wallet module 510 can beimplemented as a software application that can run on computing devices.In some embodiments, the wallet module 510 can implement a multi-tokendigital wallet that is capable of managing cryptocurrency tokensassociated with different blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetworks.

The application module 512 can be configured to use blockchain data forvarious applications. For example, in some embodiments, the applicationmodule 512 can create and evaluate smart contracts based on generallyknown approaches. A smart contract can involve transactions involvingmultiple entities in a blockchain network. The application module 512can provide various options to construct and evaluate smart contracts.For example, a smart contract can be written as computer code that iscommitted to a blockchain. The smart contract can be associated withconditions. When an event described in the smart contract is triggered,the computer code associated with the smart contract can execute. As anexample, a smart contract may be created between a company and asupplier. The smart contract can be associated with a condition thatrequires the supplier to ship supplies to effectuate a payment by thecompany. In this example, when the supplies are shipped, the payment canautomatically be transferred from a digital wallet associated with thecompany to a digital wallet associated with the supplier. Manyvariations are possible.

In some embodiments, the application module 512 can be configured togenerate supply chain reports based on data records stored in theblockchain. For example, the application module 512 can query theblockchain to identify transactions associated with a supply chainnetwork. The identified transactions can be used to generate a reportthat identifies various transaction information, such as transactiondescriptions (e.g., transaction date, sender address, destinationaddress, transaction amount) and entity information (e.g., entity name,wallet address, etc.), which can be redacted (or restricted) based onvarious privacy restrictions, such as entity name, transaction amount,and transaction timing, to name some examples. The report can thusidentify cryptocurrency token payments made from one entity to anotherentity in the supply chain. In such embodiments, a company associatedwith the supply chain network can readily identify suppliers in itssupply chain across different tiers based on transactions conducted bythose suppliers and related payments based on payment tokens. In someembodiments, the application module 512 can evaluate such supply chainreports for compliance purposes. For example, the application module 512can evaluate a supply chain report to identify non-compliant suppliersbased on a pre-defined list of non-compliant suppliers. For example,based on an evaluation of the supply chain report, the applicationmodule 512 can identify a supplier that has previously been cited forlabor-related issues. As mentioned, in some embodiments, the blockchaincan be a unified blockchain that can be used to record transactions thatoccur in different blockchain-based supply chain payment networks. Forexample, the unified blockchain can manage transactions that occur in afirst blockchain-based supply chain payment network and a secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network. In such embodiments, theapplication module 512 can generate separate supply chain reports forthe different blockchain-based supply chain payment networks. Forexample, a first supply chain report can be generated based ontransactions that occur in the first blockchain-based supply chainpayment network. Similarly, a second supply chain report can begenerated based on transactions that occur in the secondblockchain-based supply chain payment network.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example environment 600, in accordance withvarious embodiments. The example environment 600 can include at least acomputing system 602. The computing system 602 can include one or moreprocessors and memory among other components, as described in referenceto FIG. 8. The processors can be configured to perform variousoperations by interpreting machine-readable instructions. The computingsystem 602 can include a U-Node module 604. The U-Node module 604 caninclude a wallet module 606 and an application module 608. The walletmodule 606 and application module 608 can be executed by theprocessor(s) of the computing system 602 to perform various operations,as described below. In some embodiments, the U-Node module 604 can beimplemented, in whole or in part, as software that is capable of runningon one or more computing systems or devices. In some embodiments, theU-Node module 604 can be implemented, in whole or in part, as softwarethat is capable of running on one or more servers (e.g., cloud servers).

Further, the computing system 602 can access a data store 630. Ingeneral, a data store may be any device in which data can be stored andfrom which data can be retrieved. In some embodiments, the data store630 may store and manage various data, such as blockchain data,information describing blockchain protocols, encryption keys andalgorithms, communication protocols and standards, data formattingstandards and protocols, program code for modules and applicationprograms of the processing device, and other data that may be suitablefor use by the U-Node module 604 to perform the functions disclosedherein. The computing system 602 and the data store 630 may beaccessible either directly or over a computer network. The computernetwork may be any wired or wireless network through which data can besent and received (e.g., the Internet, local area network, etc.).

The U-Node module 604 can interact with the computing system 602 toreceive data over one or more networks based on one or more networkprotocols. For example, the U-Node module 604 can be configured toexchange data (e.g., receive data, send data) with other I-Nodes,T-Nodes, U-Nodes, financial institutions, blockchain networks, and otherentities over computer networks, such as the Internet. The U-Node module604 can also be configured to receive blockchain data, for example, fromother I-Nodes, T-Nodes, and blockchain networks. The blockchain data maycomprise a blockchain and associated data records included in theblockchain. For example, a blockchain data record can describe ablockchain transaction between network participants. The data record caninclude information, such a transaction description (e.g., transactiondate, sender address, destination address, transaction amount), entityinformation (e.g., entity name, wallet address, etc.), among otherinformation, such as smart contracts associated with the blockchaintransaction. The U-Node module 604 can store such blockchain data in thedata store 630.

The wallet module 606 can be configured to manage one or more digitalwallets associated with a given entity (e.g., company). The digitalwallets can be implemented using generally known approaches for storingand managing cryptocurrency and payment tokens. For example, in variousembodiments, the wallet module 606 can provide options to send tokens toother entities in a blockchain network and receive tokens from otherentities in the blockchain network. In some embodiments, the walletmodule 606 provides an option to redeem (or cash out) tokens stored in adigital wallet for fiat or digital currency. For example, an entity caninteract with the wallet module 606 to request that some amount oftokens be converted to fiat or digital currency. In this example, thewallet module 606 can determine an amount of fiat or digital currency tobe withdrawn from an account at a financial institution based on theamount of tokens to be converted. The wallet module 606 can provide arequest to withdraw the amount of fiat or digital currency from theaccount to a computing system associated with the financial institution.The converted tokens can be burned as part of the withdrawal. Manyvariations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the walletmodule 606 can provide a request to withdraw the amount of fiat ordigital currency to a computing system associated with ablockchain-based supply chain network. In such embodiments, the platformcan facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrency tokens to fiat or digitalcurrency. In some embodiments, the wallet module 606 can be implementedas a software application that can run on computing devices. In someembodiments, the wallet module 606 can implement a multi-token digitalwallet that is capable of managing cryptocurrency tokens associated withdifferent blockchain-based supply chain payment networks.

The application module 608 can be configured to use blockchain data forvarious applications. For example, in some embodiments, the applicationmodule 608 can create and evaluate smart contracts based on generallyknown approaches. A smart contract can involve transactions involvingmultiple entities in a blockchain network. The application module 608can provide various options to construct and evaluate smart contracts.For example, a smart contract can be written as computer code that iscommitted to a blockchain. The smart contract can be associated withconditions. When an event described in the smart contract is triggered,the computer code associated with the smart contract can execute. As anexample, a smart contract may be created between a company and asupplier. The smart contract can be associated with a condition thatrequires the supplier to ship supplies to effectuate a payment by thecompany. In this example, when the supplies are shipped, the payment canautomatically be transferred from a digital wallet associated with thecompany to a digital wallet associated with the supplier. Manyvariations are possible.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example diagram 700 for generating a supply chainreport, in accordance with various embodiments of the presenttechnology. In the example of FIG. 7A, a blockchain associated with ablockchain network 702 can be queried 704. The blockchain network 702can comprise nodes associated with a blockchain-based supply chainpayment network. A set of supply chain transactions 706 responsive tothe query 704 can be obtained. The set of supply chain transactions 706can describe various transactions that occurred between participants inthe blockchain-based supply chain payment network. A supply chain report708 can be generated based on the set of supply chain transactions 706.The supply chain report 708 can detail transactions that occurredbetween participants in the blockchain-based supply chain paymentnetwork, as described above. For example, the supply chain report 708can identify network participants that received, sent, or redeemedpayment tokens minted for circulation in the blockchain-based supplychain payment network. Many variations are possible.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example sequence diagram 750, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present technology. The example sequencediagram 750 illustrates an example set of interactions (or transactions)between a Financial Institution 752, a Company 754, a Supplier A 756, aSupplier B 758, and a Supplier C 760 through a blockchain-based supplychain payment network in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent technology. It should be appreciated that there can beadditional, fewer, or alternative steps performed in similar oralternative orders, or in parallel, within the scope of the variousembodiments unless otherwise stated.

For example, the Company 754 can mint cryptocurrency (or payment tokens)that can be used to conduct transactions within the blockchain-basedsupply chain payment network. The tokens can be pegged to fiat ordigital currency that is deposited partially or fully in an accountassociated with the Company 754 through the Financial Institution 752.For example, at step 762, some amount of fiat currency to which thetokens are pegged can be deposited in full or in part, for example,based on a redeemable fiat currency requirement. The Company 754 canmint payment tokens based on the deposited fiat currency. In thisexample, the Company 754 can initiate payments to its tiered suppliersbased on the minted payment tokens. These payment transactions can berecorded in a blockchain associated with the blockchain-based supplychain payment network, as described herein. At step 764, the Company 754makes a payment to Supplier A 756 in the amount of 100 tokens. Forexample, Supplier A 756 can be a Tier 1 supplier for the Company 754. Atstep 766, Supplier A 756 makes a payment to Supplier B 758 in the amountof 80 tokens. For example, Supplier B 758 can be a Tier 2 supplier forthe Company 754. At step 768, Supplier B 758 makes a payment to SupplierC 760 in the amount of 50 tokens. For example, Supplier C 760 can be aTier 3 supplier for the Company 754.

At step 770, Supplier A 756 redeems 20 tokens in exchange for fiat ordigital currency. For example, the Company 754 can receive the 20 tokensand in response provide an instruction to the Financial Institution 752to provide Supplier A 756 with fiat or digital currency based on theredeemed 20 tokens. The fiat or digital currency can be withdrawn fromthe account associated with Company 754 at the Financial Institution752. At step 772, Supplier B 758 redeems 30 tokens in exchange for fiator digital currency. For example, the Company 754 can receive the 30tokens and in response provide an instruction to the FinancialInstitution 752 to provide Supplier B 758 with fiat or digital currencybased on the redeemed 30 tokens. The fiat or digital currency can bewithdrawn from the account associated with Company 754 at the FinancialInstitution 752. At step 774, Supplier C 760 redeems 50 tokens inexchange for fiat or digital currency. For example, the Company 754 canreceive the 50 tokens and in response provide an instruction to theFinancial Institution 752 to provide Supplier C 760 with fiat or digitalcurrency based on the redeemed 50 tokens. The fiat or digital currencycan be withdrawn from the account associated with Company 754 at theFinancial Institution 752.

In various embodiments, network participants can trace transactionpayments with privacy restrictions, as described herein. In the exampleof FIG. 7B, the Company 754 can access transaction details for paymenttokens used in downstream transactions, such as the token payment 766and the token payment 768. Similarly, Supplier A 756 can accesstransaction details for payment tokens used in downstream transactions,such as the payment token 768. Many variations are possible.

Hardware Implementation

The techniques described herein are implemented by one or morespecial-purpose computing devices. The special-purpose computing devicesmay be hard-wired to perform the techniques, or may include circuitry ordigital electronic devices such as one or more application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)that are persistently programmed to perform the techniques, or mayinclude one or more hardware processors programmed to perform thetechniques pursuant to program instructions in firmware, memory, otherstorage, or a combination. Such special-purpose computing devices mayalso combine custom hard-wired logic, ASICs, or FPGAs with customprogramming to accomplish the techniques. The special-purpose computingdevices may be desktop computer systems, server computer systems,portable computer systems, handheld devices, networking devices or anyother device or combination of devices that incorporate hard-wiredand/or program logic to implement the techniques.

Computing device(s) are generally controlled and coordinated byoperating system software, such as iOS, Android, Chrome OS, Windows XP,Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server, Windows CE, Unix,Linux, SunOS, Solaris, iOS, Blackberry OS, VxWorks, or other compatibleoperating systems. In other embodiments, the computing device may becontrolled by a proprietary operating system. Conventional operatingsystems control and schedule computer processes for execution, performmemory management, provide file system, networking, I/O services, andprovide a user interface functionality, such as a graphical userinterface (“GUI”), among other things.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 800 uponwhich any of the embodiments described herein may be implemented. Thecomputer system 800 includes a bus 802 or other communication mechanismfor communicating information, one or more hardware processors 804coupled with bus 802 for processing information. Hardware processor(s)804 may be, for example, one or more general purpose microprocessors.

The computer system 800 also includes a main memory 806, such as arandom access memory (RAM), cache and/or other dynamic storage devices,coupled to bus 802 for storing information and instructions to beexecuted by processor 804. Main memory 806 also may be used for storingtemporary variables or other intermediate information during executionof instructions to be executed by processor 804. Such instructions, whenstored in storage media accessible to processor 804, render computersystem 800 into a special-purpose machine that is customized to performthe operations specified in the instructions.

The computer system 800 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 808 orother static storage device coupled to bus 802 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processor 804. A storage device 810,such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or USB thumb drive (Flash drive),etc., is provided and coupled to bus 802 for storing information andinstructions.

The computer system 800 may be coupled via bus 802 to a display 812,such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or LCD display (or touch screen), fordisplaying information to a computer user. An input device 814,including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 802 forcommunicating information and command selections to processor 804.Another type of user input device is cursor control 816, such as amouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating directioninformation and command selections to processor 804 and for controllingcursor movement on display 812. This input device typically has twodegrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis(e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane. Insome embodiments, the same direction information and command selectionsas cursor control may be implemented via receiving touches on a touchscreen without a cursor.

The computing system 800 may include a user interface module toimplement a GUI that may be stored in a mass storage device asexecutable software codes that are executed by the computing device(s).This and other modules may include, by way of example, components, suchas software components, object-oriented software components, classcomponents and task components, processes, functions, attributes,procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware,microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays,and variables.

In general, the word “module,” as used herein, refers to logic embodiedin hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions,possibly having entry and exit points, written in a programminglanguage, such as, for example, Java, C or C++. A software module may becompiled and linked into an executable program, installed in a dynamiclink library, or may be written in an interpreted programming languagesuch as, for example, BASIC, Perl, Python, or GoLang. It will beappreciated that software modules may be callable from other modules orfrom themselves, and/or may be invoked in response to detected events orinterrupts. Software modules configured for execution on computingdevices may be provided on a computer readable medium, such as a compactdisc, digital video disc, flash drive, magnetic disc, or any othertangible medium, or as a digital download (and may be originally storedin a compressed or installable format that requires installation,decompression or decryption prior to execution). Such software code maybe stored, partially or fully, on a memory device of the executingcomputing device, for execution by the computing device. Softwareinstructions may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It will befurther appreciated that hardware modules may be comprised of connectedlogic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and/or may be comprised ofprogrammable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors. Themodules or computing device functionality described herein arepreferably implemented as software modules, but may be represented inhardware or firmware. Generally, the modules described herein refer tological modules that may be combined with other modules or divided intosub-modules despite their physical organization or storage.

The computer system 800 may implement the techniques described hereinusing customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmwareand/or program logic which in combination with the computer systemcauses or programs computer system 800 to be a special-purpose machine.According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed bycomputer system 800 in response to processor(s) 804 executing one ormore sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 806.Such instructions may be read into main memory 806 from another storagemedium, such as storage device 810. Execution of the sequences ofinstructions contained in main memory 806 causes processor(s) 804 toperform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware instructions.

The term “non-transitory media,” and similar terms, as used hereinrefers to any media that store data and/or instructions that cause amachine to operate in a specific fashion. Such non-transitory media maycomprise non-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile mediaincludes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device810. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 806.Common forms of non-transitory media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, hard disk, solid state drive, magnetic tape, orany other magnetic data storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical datastorage medium, any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, aPROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip orcartridge, and networked versions of the same.

Non-transitory media is distinct from but may be used in conjunctionwith transmission media. Transmission media participates in transferringinformation between non-transitory media. For example, transmissionmedia includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, includingthe wires that comprise bus 802. Transmission media can also take theform of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated duringradio-wave and infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequencesof one or more instructions to processor 804 for execution. For example,the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solidstate drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 800 canreceive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitterto convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector canreceive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriatecircuitry can place the data on bus 802. Bus 802 carries the data tomain memory 806, from which processor 804 retrieves and executes theinstructions. The instructions received by main memory 806 may retrievesand executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory806 may optionally be stored on storage device 810 either before orafter execution by processor 804.

The computer system 800 also includes a communication interface 818coupled to bus 802. Communication interface 818 provides a two-way datacommunication coupling to one or more network links that are connectedto one or more local networks. For example, communication interface 818may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem,satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connectionto a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example,communication interface 818 may be a local area network (LAN) card toprovide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN (or WANcomponent to communicated with a WAN). Wireless links may also beimplemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 818sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals thatcarry digital data streams representing various types of information.

A network link typically provides data communication through one or morenetworks to other data devices. For example, a network link may providea connection through local network to a host computer or to dataequipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP inturn provides data communication services through the world wide packetdata communication network now commonly referred to as the “Internet”.Local network and Internet both use electrical, electromagnetic oroptical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through thevarious networks and the signals on network link and throughcommunication interface 818, which carry the digital data to and fromcomputer system 800, are example forms of transmission media.

The computer system 800 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), network link and communicationinterface 818. In the Internet example, a server might transmit arequested code for an application program through the Internet, the ISP,the local network and the communication interface 818.

The received code may be executed by processor 804 as it is received,and/or stored in storage device 810, or other non-volatile storage forlater execution.

Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described in thepreceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automatedby, code modules executed by one or more computer systems or computerprocessors comprising computer hardware. The processes and algorithmsmay be implemented partially or wholly in application-specificcircuitry.

The various features and processes described above may be usedindependently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. Allpossible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall withinthe scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method or processblocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processesdescribed herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, andthe blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in othersequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or statesmay be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, ormultiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state.The example blocks or states may be performed in serial, in parallel, orin some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed fromthe disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and componentsdescribed herein may be configured differently than described. Forexample, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged comparedto the disclosed example embodiments.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Any process descriptions, elements, or blocks in the flow diagramsdescribed herein and/or depicted in the attached figures should beunderstood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions ofcode which include one or more executable instructions for implementingspecific logical functions or steps in the process. Alternateimplementations are included within the scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may bemade to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to beunderstood as being among other acceptable examples. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certainembodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that nomatter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can bepracticed in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted thatthe use of particular terminology when describing certain features oraspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including anyspecific characteristics of the features or aspects of the inventionwith which that terminology is associated. The scope of the inventionshould therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims andany equivalents thereof.

Language

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components(or modules), operations, or structures described as a single instance.Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustratedand described as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate components (or modules) in exampleconfigurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component.Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component(or module) may be implemented as separate components (or modules).These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvementsfall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

Although an overview of the subject matter has been described withreference to specific example embodiments, various modifications andchanges may be made to these embodiments without departing from thebroader scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. Such embodimentsof the subject matter may be referred to herein, individually orcollectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and withoutintending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to anysingle disclosure or concept if more than one is, in fact, disclosed.

The embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed.Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such thatstructural and logical substitutions and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. The Detailed Description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope ofvarious embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along withthe full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

It will be appreciated that an “engine,” “system,” “data store,” and/or“database” may comprise software, hardware, firmware, and/or circuitry.In one example, one or more software programs comprising instructionscapable of being executable by a processor may perform one or more ofthe functions of the engines, data stores, databases, or systemsdescribed herein. In another example, circuitry may perform the same orsimilar functions. Alternative embodiments may comprise more, less, orfunctionally equivalent engines, systems, data stores, or databases, andstill be within the scope of present embodiments. For example, thefunctionality of the various systems, engines, data stores, and/ordatabases may be combined or divided differently.

The data stores described herein may be any suitable structure (e.g., anactive database, a relational database, a self-referential database, atable, a matrix, an array, a flat file, a documented-oriented storagesystem, a non-relational No-SQL system, and the like), and may becloud-based or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “or” may be construed in either an inclusive orexclusive sense. Moreover, plural instances may be provided forresources, operations, or structures described herein as a singleinstance. Additionally, boundaries between various resources,operations, engines, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary,and particular operations are illustrated in a context of specificillustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within a scope of various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In general, structures and functionality presentedas separate resources in the example configurations may be implementedas a combined structure or resource. Similarly, structures andfunctionality presented as a single resource may be implemented asseparate resources. These and other variations, modifications,additions, and improvements fall within a scope of embodiments of thepresent disclosure as represented by the appended claims. Thespecification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combinedwith one or more features of any other embodiment.

1. A computer-implemented method for managing supply chain paymenttransactions in a supply chain payment network of a company based on ablockchain network, the method comprising: obtaining, by an I-node inthe blockchain network, payment tokens to conduct transactions withinthe supply chain payment network of the company, the I-node participatesas a node in the blockchain network that is managed by the company andincludes at least one processor and memory, the payment tokens arepegged to fiat currency or digital currency, and the payment tokens arecompany-specific tokens that are circulated in the supply chain paymentnetwork of the company; determining, by the I-node, a payment from adigital wallet associated with the I-node to a digital wallet associatedwith a U-node in the blockchain network, the U-node is managed by asupplier in the supply chain payment network of the company and includesat least one processor and memory, and the payment is based on thepayment tokens that are company-specific tokens circulated in the supplychain payment network of the company; and providing, by the I-node, adata record to a T-node in the blockchain network, the data recorddescribes the payment from the digital wallet associated with the I-nodeto the digital wallet associated with the U-node, the T-nodeparticipates as a node in the blockchain network and includes at leastone processor and memory, and the T-node posts the data record to ablockchain associated with the blockchain network; determining, by theI-node, a plurality of suppliers included in the supply chain paymentnetwork of the company based on a plurality of payments made among theI-node and respective U-nodes associated with the plurality ofsuppliers, the plurality of suppliers including the supplier in thesupply chain payment network of the company, the plurality of paymentsbeing based on payment tokens minted for circulation in the supply chainpayment network of the company, and the plurality of payments includingthe payment from the digital wallet associated with the I-node to thedigital wallet associated with the U-node in the blockchain network; anddetermining, by the I-node, whether any suppliers included in the supplychain payment network of the company are non-compliant based at least inpart on a comparison of the plurality of suppliers and a pre-definedlist of non-compliant suppliers.
 2. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1, further comprising: determining, by the I-node, a request fromthe U-node associated with the supplier to convert one or more paymenttokens to an amount in fiat currency or digital currency; and providing,by the I-node, an instruction to a computing system associated with afinancial institution to initiate a fiat currency or digital currencypayment transaction to a bank account associated with the supplier basedon conversion of the one or more payment tokens to the amount in fiatcurrency or digital currency.
 3. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 2, further comprising: determining, by the I-node, a request froma different U-node associated with a different supplier to convert atleast one payment token to an amount in fiat currency or digitalcurrency, the at least one payment token having been received from thedigital wallet associated with the U-node; and providing, by the I-node,an instruction to a financial institution to initiate a fiat currency ordigital currency payment transaction to a bank account associated withthe different supplier based on conversion of the at least one paymenttoken to the amount in fiat currency or digital currency.
 4. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: generating,by the I-node, a supply chain report based on one or more queries to theblockchain associated with the blockchain network, the supply chainreport includes transaction information for at least the data recorddescribing the payment from the digital wallet associated with theI-node to the digital wallet associated with the U-node and one or moredata records describing payments between other suppliers.
 5. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising: determining,by the I-node, one or more network participants involved in at least onetransaction in the supply chain payment network of the company that werepreviously cited for labor-related issues.
 6. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1, wherein the payment is determined based on a smartcontract.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein thepayment is provided automatically in response to satisfaction of a setof conditions associated with the smart contract.
 8. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the blockchain networkcomprises a plurality of T-nodes that are managed by the company anddifferent suppliers for the company.
 9. The computer-implemented methodof claim 1, wherein the blockchain is a distributed database thatincludes a plurality of data records that each represent a transactionin the supply chain payment network of the company.
 10. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the transactions arebetween the company and one or more suppliers in the supply chainpayment network of the company or between a first supplier in a tier ofthe supply chain payment network of the company that is upstream to asecond supplier in a lower tier of the supply chain payment network ofthe company.
 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein theT-node is also a node in a different blockchain network associated witha supply chain payment network of a different company.
 12. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: determining,by the I-node, one or more additional T-Nodes added to the blockchainnetwork by a third supplier, or determining, by the I-node, one or moreT-Nodes removed by the third supplier from the blockchain network. 13.The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the digital walletassociated with the U-node manages payment tokens that arecompany-specific tokens circulated in the supply chain payment networkof the company and payment tokens that are company-specific tokenscirculated in a different supply chain payment network of a differentcompany.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising: tracing, by the I-node, transactions that occur between thecompany and one or more suppliers through the supply chain paymentnetwork of the company based on data records posted in the blockchainand one or more privacy restrictions, or tracing, by the I-node,transactions that occur between a first supplier in a given tier of thesupply chain payment network of the company that is upstream to a secondsupplier in a lower tier of the supply chain payment network of thecompany.
 15. An I-node for managing supply chain payment transactions ina supply chain payment network of a company based on a blockchainnetwork, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causethe I-node to perform operations comprising: obtaining payment tokens toconduct transactions within the supply chain payment network of thecompany, the I-node participates as a node in the blockchain networkthat is managed by the company and includes at least one processor andmemory, the payment tokens are pegged to fiat currency or digitalcurrency, and the payment tokens are company-specific tokens that arecirculated in the supply chain payment network of the company;determining a payment from a digital wallet associated with the I-nodeto a digital wallet associated with a U-node in the blockchain network,the U-node is managed by a supplier in the supply chain payment networkof the company and includes at least one processor and memory, and thepayment is based on the payment tokens that are company-specific tokenscirculated in the supply chain payment network of the company; providinga data record to a T-node in the blockchain network, the data recorddescribes the payment from the digital wallet associated with the I-nodeto the digital wallet associated with the U-node, the T-nodeparticipates as a node in the blockchain network and includes at leastone processor and memory, and the T-node posts the data record to ablockchain associated with the blockchain network; determining aplurality of suppliers included in the supply chain payment network ofthe company based on a plurality of payments made among the I-node andrespective U-nodes associated with the plurality of suppliers, theplurality of suppliers including the supplier in the supply chainpayment network of the company, the plurality of payments being based onpayment tokens minted for circulation in the supply chain paymentnetwork of the company, and the plurality of payments including thepayment from the digital wallet associated with the I-node to thedigital wallet associated with the U-node in the blockchain network; anddetermining whether any suppliers included in the supply chain paymentnetwork of the company are non-compliant based at least in part on acomparison of the plurality of suppliers and a pre-defined list ofnon-compliant suppliers.
 16. The I-node of claim 15, wherein theinstructions further cause the I-node to perform operations comprising:determining a request from the U-node associated with the supplier toconvert one or more payment tokens to an amount in fiat currency ordigital currency; and providing an instruction to a computing systemassociated with a financial institution to initiate a fiat currency ordigital currency payment transaction to a bank account associated withthe supplier based on conversion of the one or more payment tokens tothe amount in fiat currency or digital currency.
 17. The I-node of claim16, wherein the instructions further cause the I-node to performoperations comprising: determining a request from a different U-nodeassociated with a different supplier to convert at least one paymenttoken to an amount in fiat currency or digital currency, the at leastone payment token having been received from the digital walletassociated with the U-node; and providing an instruction to a financialinstitution to initiate a fiat currency or digital currency paymenttransaction to a bank account associated with the different supplierbased on conversion of the at least one payment token to the amount infiat currency or digital currency.
 18. The I-node of claim 15, whereinthe instructions further cause the I-node to perform operationscomprising: generating a supply chain report based on one or morequeries to the blockchain associated with the blockchain network, thesupply chain report includes transaction information for at least thedata record describing the payment from the digital wallet associatedwith the I-node to the digital wallet associated with the U-node and oneor more data records describing payments between other suppliers. 19.The I-node of claim 18, wherein the instructions further cause theI-node to perform operations comprising: determining one or more networkparticipants involved in at least one transaction in the supply chainpayment network of the company that were previously cited forlabor-related issues.
 20. The I-node of claim 15, wherein the blockchainnetwork comprises a plurality of T-nodes that are managed by the companyand different suppliers for the company.
 21. The I-node of claim 20,wherein the instructions further cause the I-node to perform operationscomprising: determining one or more additional T-Nodes added to theblockchain network by a third supplier, or determining one or moreT-Nodes removed by the third supplier from the blockchain network. 22.The I-node of claim 15, wherein the digital wallet associated with theU-node manages payment tokens that are company-specific tokenscirculated in the supply chain payment network of the company andpayment tokens that are company-specific tokens circulated in adifferent supply chain payment network of a different company.
 23. TheI-node of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the I-node toperform: tracing transactions that occur between the company and one ormore suppliers through the supply chain payment network of the companybased on data records posted in the blockchain and one or more privacyrestrictions, or tracing transactions that occur between a firstsupplier in a given tier of the supply chain payment network of thecompany that is upstream to a second supplier in a lower tier of thesupply chain payment network of the company.
 24. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium including instructions that, whenexecuted by at least one processor of an I-node, cause the I-node toperform operations comprising: obtaining payment tokens to conducttransactions within the supply chain payment network of the company, theI-node participates as a node in the blockchain network that is managedby the company and includes at least one processor and memory, thepayment tokens are pegged to fiat currency or digital currency, and thepayment tokens are company-specific tokens that are circulated in thesupply chain payment network of the company; determining a payment froma digital wallet associated with the I-node to a digital walletassociated with a U-node in the blockchain network, the U-node ismanaged by a supplier in the supply chain payment network of the companyand includes at least one processor and memory, and the payment is basedon the payment tokens that are company-specific tokens circulated in thesupply chain payment network of the company; providing a data record toa T-node in the blockchain network, the data record describes thepayment from the digital wallet associated with the I-node to thedigital wallet associated with the U-node, the T-node participates as anode in the blockchain network and includes at least one processor andmemory, and the T-node posts the data record to a blockchain associatedwith the blockchain network; determining a plurality of suppliersincluded in the supply chain payment network of the company based on aplurality of payments made among the I-node and respective U-nodesassociated with the plurality of suppliers, the plurality of suppliersincluding the supplier in the supply chain payment network of thecompany, the plurality of payments being based on payment tokens mintedfor circulation in the supply chain payment network of the company, andthe plurality of payments including the payment from the digital walletassociated with the I-node to the digital wallet associated with theU-node in the blockchain network; and determining whether any suppliersincluded in the supply chain payment network of the company arenon-compliant based at least in part on a comparison of the plurality ofsuppliers and a pre-defined list of non-compliant suppliers.
 25. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 24, wherein theinstructions further cause the I-node to perform operations comprising:determining a request from the U-node associated with the supplier toconvert one or more payment tokens to an amount in fiat currency ordigital currency; and providing an instruction to a computing systemassociated with a financial institution to initiate a fiat currency ordigital currency payment transaction to a bank account associated withthe supplier based on conversion of the one or more payment tokens tothe amount in fiat currency or digital currency.
 26. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 25, wherein the instructionsfurther cause the I-node to perform operations comprising: determining arequest from a different U-node associated with a different supplier toconvert at least one payment token to an amount in fiat currency ordigital currency, the at least one payment token having been receivedfrom the digital wallet associated with the U-node; and providing aninstruction to a financial institution to initiate a fiat currency ordigital currency payment transaction to a bank account associated withthe different supplier based on conversion of the at least one paymenttoken to the amount in fiat currency or digital currency.
 27. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 24, wherein theinstructions further cause the I-node to perform operations comprising:generating a supply chain report based on one or more queries to theblockchain associated with the blockchain network, the supply chainreport includes transaction information for the data record describingthe payment from the digital wallet associated with the I-node to thedigital wallet associated with the U-node and one or more data recordsdescribing payments between other suppliers.
 28. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 27, wherein the instructionsfurther cause the I-node to perform operations comprising: determiningone or more network participants involved in at least one transaction inthe supply chain payment network of the company that were previouslycited for labor-related issues.
 29. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 24, wherein the blockchain network comprises aplurality of T-nodes that are managed by the company and differentsuppliers for the company.
 30. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 24, wherein the instructions further cause theI-node to perform operations comprising: determining one or moreadditional T-Nodes added to the blockchain network by a third supplier,or determining one or more T-Nodes removed by the third supplier fromthe blockchain network.